Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed and seven others injured after armed men ambushed a patrol in South Sudan’s Jonglei State on Monday, according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The patrol was travelling toward the remote area of Pajut when it came under attack. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the incident.
The two peacekeepers killed were Ethiopian nationals, while three other Ethiopian peacekeepers were among those injured, according to UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
The other four injured people included two members of the South Sudanese police and two civilian staff members.
UN Deploys Quick Reaction Force
Following the attack, UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support the emergency response.
The head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, condemned the attack and said violence against personnel serving to support peace in South Sudan was unacceptable.
“Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable,” Gbeho said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the ambush and called for a prompt investigation leading to the prosecution of those responsible.
The United Nations said attacks against peacekeepers could constitute war crimes under international law.
Nine Peacekeepers Killed Since January
The latest deaths bring the number of UN peacekeepers killed by militias in South Sudan since January 1 to nine, according to Dujarric.
Although South Sudan continues to experience serious violence, direct attacks against UN peacekeepers are relatively uncommon.
The incident comes amid a worsening security and humanitarian situation in the country, with UN figures recording more than 450 incidents of violence against humanitarian workers and assets between January and July, more than twice the number reported during the same period last year.
Fears of Renewed Civil War
South Sudan’s latest violence is linked to the continuing political and military tensions between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and supporters of opposition leader Riek Machar.
A 2018 peace agreement between Kiir and Machar helped end years of civil war, but implementation has stalled and tensions have continued to rise.
Machar, who previously served as vice president, is under house arrest and faces charges including treason and other offences. He has rejected the accusations as politically motivated.
The conflict escalated further after opposition forces seized government positions in Jonglei in December. Government forces subsequently launched a counteroffensive involving airstrikes and ground operations.
The deteriorating security situation has raised fears that South Sudan could return to full-scale civil war.
UN Calls for Peace
The United States and other international partners have urged South Sudan’s political leaders to return to dialogue and uphold the 2018 peace agreement.
The latest attack has added pressure on the government and opposition to prevent further escalation and protect civilians, humanitarian workers and international personnel.
For the United Nations, the immediate priority remains securing the affected area, supporting those injured and ensuring that those responsible for the deadly ambush are brought to justice.
