MINUSMA honors Chinese peacekeeper killed in Mali terror attack

BAMAKO -- The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) on Tuesday honoured Chinese peacekeeper Shen Liangliang who died in a terrorist attack on May 31 at a UN mission camp in Gao, northern Mali.

"We are here to pay final homage to a UN peacekeeper, who had come to restore peace and stability in Mali. This soldier is First Sergeant Shen Liangliang from the Chinese contingent of MINUSMA. A soldier who was killed on May 31 by people who neither believe in any law or faith, during a terrorist attack at a MINUSMA camp in Gao," Mahamat Saleh Annadif, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSMA said during the memorial ceremony held at the UN mission's headquarters.

"I want to appreciate the courage and commitment of First Sergeant Shen Liangliang and all his Chinese armed brothers. I appeal to them to continue doing the same despite working in a very difficult security environment," Annadif added.

He said China, just like other countries contributing to MINUSMA, is in Mali "to restore peace and stability."

At this very sad moment, "my thoughts go to China which is a friendly country to Africa and Mali, and more particularly to the family of First Sergeant Shen Liangliang as well as to his Chinese armed brothers," the MINUSMA boss continued.

He said Malian authorities "will not spare any effort" to bring the terrorists before a court of law.

"They should know that they will not go unpunished when they commit these kinds of despicable crimes against peacekeeping soldiers," he affirmed.

Annadif said "MINUSMA is determined to continue with its mission for the benefit of Malians" and it will take "all necessary measures to achieve its mandate, including protection of peacekeepers."