Two Ethiopian UN Peacekeepers Killed in South Sudan Ambush, Seven Injured
Two Ethiopian United Nations peacekeepers have been killed and seven other people injured after unidentified armed men ambushed a UN patrol in South Sudan’s volatile Jonglei State.
The attack occurred on Monday as a patrol operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was traveling toward Pajut, an area that has experienced persistent insecurity and armed violence.
UNMISS confirmed that two peacekeepers died in the attack, while three other peacekeepers were wounded. Two members of the South Sudan National Police Service and two civilian staff members were also injured.
UN Deploys Quick Reaction Force
Following the ambush, UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and assist with the emergency response.
The mission’s head, Anita Kiki Gbeho, condemned the attack and described the killing of personnel working to support peace in South Sudan as unacceptable.
She also expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
UNMISS has called for a prompt and thorough investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. The mission warned that deliberate attacks against UN peacekeepers could constitute war crimes under international law.
Attackers Remain Unidentified
The identity of the attackers and their motive have not yet been established.
According to the United Nations, the patrol appeared to have been deliberately targeted. The incident occurred in an area where UN peacekeepers regularly operate amid intercommunal violence, armed youth mobilization and clashes involving government and opposition forces.
The attack highlights the growing risks facing international personnel working in South Sudan, particularly as violence continues to threaten the country’s fragile peace process.
South Sudan Faces Renewed Security Crisis
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but descended into civil war two years later following a political power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar.
A 2018 power-sharing agreement helped reduce the conflict, but implementation has repeatedly stalled. Recent political and military tensions have raised fresh fears that the country could slide back into widespread conflict.
Jonglei State has been one of the areas most affected by the renewed violence.
The situation has also created serious challenges for humanitarian organizations. UN agencies have reported a sharp increase in attacks against humanitarian workers this year, with at least 36 humanitarian workers killed since January, according to UN reporting.
UN Peacekeeping Mission Under Pressure
UNMISS was established after South Sudan gained independence and is tasked with protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian access, monitoring human rights and helping advance the country’s peace process.
Peacekeepers regularly patrol some of the country’s most dangerous areas, making them vulnerable to attacks from armed groups and other actors.
The latest ambush has renewed concerns about the safety of UN personnel operating in South Sudan and the ability of the mission to continue its work amid deteriorating security conditions.
The deaths of the two Ethiopian peacekeepers also bring the number of UN peacekeepers killed in malicious acts worldwide this year to nine, according to UN officials.
UNMISS has called on South Sudanese authorities to investigate the attack and ensure that those responsible face justice.
For now, the mission says it remains committed to supporting civilians and the country’s fragile peace process despite the escalating dangers facing its personnel.
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