JUBA — Two United Nations peacekeepers have been killed and seven others injured in an ambush in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, Anita Kiki Gbeho, special representative of the UN secretary-general, said.
The incident, reportedly carried out by unidentified armed individuals, targeted a UN peacekeeping patrol convoy traveling to Pajut in Jonglei State, raising fresh concerns over the safety of humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel operating in conflict-affected areas.
In a statement issued on Monday, Anita Kiki Gbeho, head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said the injured include three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel, and two civilian staff.
Kiki strongly condemned the attack and called for accountability for those responsible.
“The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strongly condemns today’s ambush on its patrol traveling to Pajut, Jonglei State, by unidentified armed individuals,” read part of the statement.
She said the mission had deployed a quick reaction force to secure the area and support the emergency response.
“Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable,” said Kiki.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the peacekeepers who lost their lives and wish those injured a speedy recovery.”
She said the attacks against UN peacekeepers could constitute war crimes under international law, including international humanitarian law.
“I call on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
The U.S. Embassy also issued a statement condemning the attack by armed youth on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) force-protection convoy in Jonglei state.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and we wish those injured a full and swift recovery,” said the statement extended to Sudans Post.
The embassy rejects the targeted attack on United Nations peacekeepers, who are mandated to protect civilians and promote peace and stability in South Sudan.
It called on the government to conduct a full and transparent investigation into the attack and hold those responsible to account.
“We remain deeply troubled by the persistent intercommunal and armed violence in Jonglei state and its toll on civilians and peacekeepers,” it said.
“South Sudanese political and community leaders must urgently act to stop further violence and safeguard those working to advance peace and security.”
