Attacks on Bangladeshi Peacekeepers in Southern Sudan Could Constitute War Crimes, Says UN Chief

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned a deadly drone attack that targeted a logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, killing and injuring members of the Bangladeshi UN peacekeeping contingent.

In a post on social media platform X, Guterres described the attack as “horrific,” warning that assaults on UN peacekeepers are unjustifiable and may amount to war crimes. He stressed the obligation of all parties to protect UN personnel and civilians, adding that accountability will be required.

The UN chief also extended his condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, as well as to the government and people of Bangladesh.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s interim government leader, Muhammad Yunus, condemned the attack, calling it a grave crime against “international peace and humanity.” An official statement said six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed and eight others injured in what was described as a “terrorist drone attack” on a UN base in Abyei, southern Sudan.

Yunus expressed deep shock over the incident and said the United Nations had been asked to take urgent steps to ensure the highest level of medical care and necessary support for the wounded peacekeepers.

The attack occurred amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict between the national army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, which erupted in April 2023. The war has killed thousands and displaced millions across the country.

Sudan’s army blamed the attack on the RSF, saying it exposed the “subversive approach” of the rebel group and its backers. The RSF has not issued an immediate response.

The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was deployed in 2011 to monitor security in the disputed, oil-rich Abyei region, which is jointly administered by Sudan and South Sudan. Both countries have long claimed the area and have been involved in repeated conflicts over its control.

The mission’s mandate was renewed last month.