UN Peacekeeper Killed In Mali By Unknown Attackers - UN Chief's Spokesman

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th May, 2019) A UN peacekeeper from Nigeria who was working with the organization's stabilization mission in Mali was killed by unidentified attackers on Saturday, Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said.

Another Nigerian Blue Helmet soldier was injured during the attack, which occurred in the Malian city of Timbuktu, the spokesman said in a statement published on the official website of the UN mission in Mali, MINUSMA, on Sunday.

According to Dujarric, UN chief Antonio Guterres has condemned the attack on the two peacekeepers.

"He [the secretary general] expresses heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and to the Government of Nigeria. He wishes a speedy recovery to another Nigerian peacekeeper who was wounded in the same attack," spokesman's statement said.

Guterres also wished a speedy recovery to three Chadian peacekeepers who has suffered injuries after their vehicle hit an explosive device in the north of the country, the spokesman added.

"He [the secretary-general] calls on the Malian authorities to take swift action to identify the perpetrators of these attacks and promptly bring them to justice," Dujarric said.

The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali was established in 2013 to help ensure security and political transition in the country that was gripped by an active armed conflict between 2012 and 2015.

The Malian government signed a peace accord with the rebels in 2015, however, sporadic violent attacks still take place.