Statement by the Spokesperson regarding the deadly attack against MONUSCO

The deadly attack against MONUSCO troops which took place in North Kivu on 6 May challenges MONUSCO's mandate as specified in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2211.

It is the second attack on peacekeepers in a few days' time. The UN mission is there on behalf of the international community to protect civilians and to contribute to the neutralization of armed groups in eastern DRC. Any attack on MONUSCO is an attack on the international community.

This attack illustrates as well the urgent need to restore cooperation between the DRC armed forces and MONUSCO in order to achieve the goal of protecting civilians and putting an end to all armed groups that pursue acts of violence and violation of Human rights, notably in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The European Union expresses its deepest sympathy to the victims and their families. The EU pays tribute to the commitment of Tanzania and other troop contributing countries in support of peace and stability in the DRC.