Peacekeepers
1Min
South Africa
Dec 15, 2025
The African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to fostering peace, security, and stability in Sudan and underscored the importance of pursuing a lasting and inclusive political solution to the ongoing conflict.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the United Nations (UN) have both unequivocally condemned the recent drone attack that targeted the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) logistics peacekeeping base in Kadugli, Sudan.
This egregious assault resulted in both the tragic loss of lives and injuries among Bangladeshi peacekeeping personnel, spotlighting the perilous conditions faced by those dedicated to maintaining peace in conflict zones.
Media reports have revealed that the drone attacks targeting the UN logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, on Saturday killing six peacekeepers and injuring eight others - all members of the Bangladeshi contingent serving in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
The oil-rich region is located between Sudan and South Sudan and has been contested since their separation in 2011.
The latest attack comes a week after another drone attack by the Sudanese paramilitary forces hit a kindergarten in south-central Sudan, killing 50 people, including 33 children, a doctors’ group said.
In a statement released following the attack, Chairperson Youssouf described the incident as a "reprehensible act" that amounts to a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
He emphasised that such attacks not only threaten the lives of personnel dedicated to peacekeeping missions but also undermine broader efforts aimed at establishing stability in Sudan, a nation already grappling with profound challenges.
Expressing heartfelt condolences, the AUC Chairperson extended his sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to those injured.
"The African Union stands in full solidarity with the affected peacekeeping personnel and their contributing nations," he stated, reaffirming the collective resolve to support peace operations and enhance the safety of civilians amidst ongoing conflicts.
Chairperson Youssouf made it clear that the African Union considers attacks on peacekeepers as entirely unacceptable, asserting that these violent acts fundamentally jeopardise regional and international peace and security.
He called upon the perpetrators of this cowardly attack to be swiftly identified and brought to justice, reiterating the necessity for all conflicting parties to adhere to their obligations under international law; this includes safeguarding the lives of peacekeepers and humanitarian workers who strive to alleviate human suffering in disaster-stricken areas.
The AU statements comes as efforts continue, the 55-member state body has sought to strengthen its partnerships and bolster support for peacekeeping missions, ensuring that adversities like this do not undermine the overarching goals of regional cooperation and humanitarian aid.
On Sunday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the “horrific” drone attacks saying these attacks constitute war crimes.
“Attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and I remind all parties to the conflict of their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians,” he said.
