The African Union (AU) on Thursday demanded a prompt investigation into the recent killing in Darfur region of five Senegalese soldiers of the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS), in order to identify the culprits and bring them to justice.

In a communique issued after the 75th meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council, the pan-African body expressed shock and outrage at the incident.

The killing of the five Senegalese soldiers guarding a watering point along the Chadian border on Sunday was the bloodiest attack against AMIS.

It brought to 15 the number of AU personnel killed since AMIS was deployed in 2004.

In the communique, it demanded both the signatories of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) and the non-signatories full cooperation with AMIS and the humanitarian agencies, and create conducive conditions on the ground, including guaranteeing the security and safety of their personnel, equipment and assets.

The AU also expressed concern on the restrictions on AMIS troops and AMIS troop movement, according to the communique.

It stressed the need for a robust peacekeeping operation, saying the strengthening of AMIS could not be implemented due to the lack of financial and logistical support.

(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2007)