The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), the United States and other international partners have strongly condemned Monday’s deadly ambush on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol travelling to Pajut in Jonglei State.
Two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed and seven others wounded when unidentified armed individuals attacked the UNMISS force-protection convoy.
The injured include three Ethiopian peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two UNMISS civilian staff.
RJMEC says it is deeply concerned that personnel mandated to support peace, stability and civilian protection continue to face deadly attacks.
The peace agreement monitoring body says such violence is unacceptable and undermines efforts to restore peace and security in South Sudan.
The United States Embassy in South Sudan has also condemned the attack, calling for a full and transparent investigation and urging authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
In a statement, the embassy said it was deeply troubled by the persistent intercommunal and armed violence in Jonglei State and its impact on both civilians and peacekeepers.
“We denounce any targeting of United Nations peacekeepers, who work to protect civilians and foster peace and stability in South Sudan,” the embassy said.
The United States has urged South Sudanese political and community leaders to take urgent action to prevent further violence and safeguard personnel working to advance peace and security.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also condemned the ambush in the strongest terms.
Guterres said attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and called for the incident to be promptly investigated, with those responsible prosecuted and held accountable.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity and intercommunal violence in Jonglei State, where continued violence is threatening civilians and those working to support peace and stability.
