Statement Attributable to the Office of the Spokesperson

 

UNAMID Observes a Minute of Silence in Memory of Former Nigerian Peacekeepers Killed in a Road Accident in Yobe State

 

El Fasher, N.Darfur / 22 May 2008 - The leadership and staff of the AU/UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) are deeply saddened by the reported death of forty-six former peace-keepers of the Nigerian contingent in a road accident, yesterday.

 

The soldiers had just returned to Nigeria from Sudan, where they completed their tour of duty, as part of UNAMID’s “Battalion 14″, deployed in Darfur.

 

UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative, Mr. Henry Anyidoho said, “We honour the memory of those courageous and gallant soldiers, whose lives were dedicated to the service of peace. Nigerian battalion 14 had an impeccable record. We are proud to have served alongside those men. Our condolences go to the families of the fallen soldiers, to the Armed Forces and Government of Nigeria.”

 

It is worth noting that the Nigerian contingent also served under the former African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), which handed over to UNAMID, at the end of December, 2007. Nigeria remains a major force contributor to the UN/AU peacekeeping Mission in Darfur.

 

UNAMID senior management and staff observed a minute of silence in memory of the Battalion 14 soldiers that lost their lives in this tragic accident.