UN chief condemns attack in Burkina Faso that killed 35 civilians

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the bomb attack in northern Burkina Faso, which reportedly killed at least 35 civilians, a UN spokesman said on Tuesday.

"The secretary-general strongly condemns the improvised explosive device (IED) attack that took place on Sept. 5 between the towns of Djibo and Bourzanga, in the north of Burkina Faso," said Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for Guterres. "The secretary-general expresses his sincere condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the people of Burkina Faso and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured."

A statement from local authorities Monday night said a truck in an escorted convoy heading for the capital of Ouagadougou hit the IED, with at least 35 civilians killed and 37 others injured.

"The secretary-general calls on the Burkinabe (Burkina Faso) authorities to spare no effort in identifying and bringing the perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice," Dujarric said. "The secretary-general reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to continue to work with Burkina Faso and international partners to protect civilians, address humanitarian challenges, and promote lasting peace and prosperity with respect for human rights."

Since 2015, insecurity in the West African nation on the edge of the Sahel has claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people and displaced 1.9 million others.