UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has strongly condemned the killing of three UN peacekeepers supporting peace and reconciliation efforts in Mali.

Three Senegalese peacekeepers serving in Mali were killed on Tuesday, and five others seriously injured, when their vehicle hit an explosive device, according to the UN Mission in the country, MINUSMA.

The incident occurred near the village of Songobia, in central Mali, as their supply convoy was heading to its base in Sévaré.

“The secretary-general conveys his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Senegal and his profound sympathies to the families of the victims.

“He wishes a speedy and full recovery to the five injured peacekeepers,” Mr Guterres said in a statement by his spokesperson, Stephanie Dujarric.

The UN chief also recalled that attacks targeting UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.

He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Mali in achieving sustainable peace and security.

The UN Security Council also condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

The council issued a statement calling on the transitional authorities in Mali to investigate the attack with the support of MINUSMA and promote accountability by bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Members reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

They also underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to justice.

Similarly, El-Ghassim Wane, the head of MINUSMA, condemned the attack and offered his deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased peacekeepers.

“This is another tragic illustration of the complexity of our operational environment and the sacrifices made by the international community for peace in Mali,” he said.

MINUSMA is one of the most dangerous peace operations for “blue helmets”.

Since its establishment in 2013, 168 peacekeepers have lost their lives in hostile acts.

He stressed “the need to do everything possible to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of hostile acts against MINUSMA”. 

(NAN)