US condemns attack on peacekeepers and civilians in Darfur

In a press release issued on Sunday, the United States strongly condemns the attack on the Muhajeriya team site of the United Nations – African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) on 19 April, which resulted in the death of one peacekeeper and the injury of two others. The US calls on the government of Sudan and the Darfur Regional Authority to conduct full and credible investigations into all attacks against UNAMID as well as to hold the perpetrators accountable. The press release also expresses concern about the reports of civilian casualties and deliberate targeting of civilians by militias in Muhajeriya and Labado.Moreover, the US calls on the Sudanese government to allow UNAMID and humanitarian actors immediate and unhindered access to all areas of Darfur, in particular to Muhajeriya and Labado, in accordance with its obligations under the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. The press release said the increasing insecurity and population displacement in Darfur is deeply concerning and calls upon the government of Sudan and all rebel movements in Darfur to engage in negotiations for a cessation of hostilities and a political solution to the conflict.Related: UNAMID Peacekeeper killed in attack on Muhajeriya Team Site, East Darfur (19 April 2013)