The UN Security Council has demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the killing of two Ethiopian peacekeepers in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, warning that attacks against UN personnel may constitute war crimes under international law.
On August 24, 2026 unidentified armed individuals ambushed a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) force-protection convoy travelling towards Pajut in Jonglei, killing two peacekeepers.
Seven other people were injured, including three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two UNMISS civilian staff.
In a press statement issued Thursday, the Security Council condemned what it called a “heinous and deliberate attack” and demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice without delay.
The council also warned that “impunity for such attacks is unacceptable,” while expressing deep concern over continuing armed and intercommunal violence in Jonglei, which has increasingly threatened civilians, humanitarian workers and peacekeepers.
The Security Council further urged South Sudanese political and community leaders to take “immediate and decisive action” to end the violence and ensure the protection of people working to advance peace and security.
UNMISS had earlier strongly condemned the ambush. Mission chief Anita Kiki Gbeho said attacks targeting personnel serving to support peace in South Sudan were unacceptable and called for a prompt investigation to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the mission deployed a Quick Reaction Force following the attack and evacuated the injured by air. The attack also triggered strong international condemnation, including from the European Union Delegation and the embassies of Germany, France and the Netherlands in Juba.
In a joint statement, the missions said UN peacekeepers “deserve the utmost respect” and stressed that attacks against them are unacceptable and may constitute war crimes under international law.
The European diplomatic missions also called on South Sudanese leaders to engage in genuine dialogue to prevent further violence.
The diplomats highlighted the wider deterioration in the security environment, saying 36 humanitarian staff and contractors had been killed in South Sudan since January, already exceeding the 31 killed throughout 2025.
For its part South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation had also condemned the attack and called for a joint investigation.
“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan unequivocally condemns this attack,” the ministry said in a statement, pledging that those found responsible would be held accountable under the law.
The government said the convoy was attacked approximately 10 kilometers from Jalle while travelling towards Pajut. The convoy reportedly comprised eight vehicles carrying 38 people, including UNMISS personnel, Ethiopian peacekeepers and South Sudanese police officers.
The attack comes amid worsening insecurity in Jonglei, where armed clashes and intercommunal violence have displaced civilians and disrupted humanitarian operations.
The UN has warned that the deteriorating security situation is also threatening South Sudan’s fragile peace process, which remains under pressure amid renewed political and military tensions.
The UNSC reaffirmed its “unwavering support” for UNMISS and called on the South Sudanese government to work with the mission to ensure the safety of its personnel and allow it to carry out its mandate to protect civilians and support the peace process.
