UN Chief Condemns Attack On UN’s Chopper In Congo

Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General has strongly condemned the attack against a helicopter of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

The helicopter came under fire on Sunday while travelling from Beni to Goma, North Kivu province, resulting in one South African peacekeeper killed and another severely injured.

It was also reported that the severely injured peacekeeper was able to continue flying, and along with the rest of the crew, managed to land at the airport of the provincial capital, Goma.

Guterres, in a statement by his spokesperson, Mr Stéphane Dujarric expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper, and to the Government and people of South Africa.

He wished a speedy recovery to the injured following the dramatic helicopter landing.

He recalled that such attacks against peacekeepers may constitute a war crime under international law. He urged Congolese authorities to investigate the heinous attack and bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible.

“The secretary-general reaffirms that the United Nations, through his Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will continue to support the Congolese Government and people.’’

However, there is no indication so far who was responsible for the attack, or what weapon was used in the assault.