UN Holds Solemn Ceremony for Peacekeepers Killed in Sudan

Abyei – The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) held a solemn memorial ceremony on Monday at its headquarters in Abyei to honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a drone attack on the mission’s logistics base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, on Saturday.

The attack, described as “horrific” by UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, targeted the base while the peacekeepers were on duty, also injuring nine others.

“This morning a solemn ceremony was held at the Mission headquarters in Abyei to honour the six peacekeepers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Haq said in a note to correspondents.

The remains of the fallen peacekeepers are being repatriated to Bangladesh.

“Their sacrifice for peace will never be forgotten. The entire UNISFA family stands in grief with the families of the fallen peacekeepers and the Government and people of Bangladesh,” the statement read.

The nine injured personnel, evacuated to Abyei on the day of the attack, are receiving treatment at UNISFA’s hospital.

“The Mission’s top priority is to do everything possible to provide appropriate medical care for the injured,” Haq emphasised.

UNISFA strongly condemned the attack, extending condolences to the bereaved families and Bangladesh.

“UNISFA strongly condemns the horrific attack on its peacekeepers. The Mission offers its most sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and the Bangladeshi government, and wishes swift and complete recovery for those injured.”

In response, the mission has reinforced security at the Kadugli base and is coordinating with stakeholders. Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Robert Yaw Affram visited Kadugli on Monday to assess the situation and engage with personnel.

The incident occurred amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war, with the Sudanese Armed Forces blaming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), though the UN has not attributed responsibility. UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated that “attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and that those responsible will be held accountable.”

Bangladesh, a major contributor to UN peacekeeping, mourned the loss, highlighting the risks faced by blue helmets in volatile regions like the disputed Abyei area.