Addis Ababa, 27 April 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is deeply concerned by the deadly incidents which took place on 23 and 24 April 2015 in Kass, South Darfur. Peacekeepers from the AU–United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) protecting water points were attacked by gunmen.

The Chairperson of the Commission strongly condemns these attacks on UNAMID, which is deployed solely to assist in stabilizing the Darfur area, including through the provision of security to civilians. She deeply regrets the loss of life recorded during those incidents.

The Chairperson of the Commission stresses the need to pursue transparent and fair investigation into the incidents, in order to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. She welcomes the commitment of UNAMID to cooperate fully with the Government, using the agreed upon mechanisms, to facilitate an effective stabilization of the area, in order to avoid a recurrence of such incidents. Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Commission urges the local communities to exercise utmost restraint and to desist from any action likely to heighten tension in the area.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU's full support to UNAMID in its continued efforts to maintain stability, including through engagement with local communities. She also reaffirms the AU's commitment to continue working with the Governments of Sudan and UNAMID in the search for a lasting solution to the crisis in Darfur.