The European Union and the governments of Germany, France and the Netherlands have condemned a deadly attack on a United Nations peacekeeping patrol in South Sudan’s Jonglei state, calling for a full investigation and accountability for those responsible.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the EU delegation in South Sudan and the three European embassies said the attack on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol on Monday was unacceptable and could constitute a war crime under international law.
“We call for a full and transparent investigation into this attack and for the assailants to be held accountable,” the statement said.
Two UN peacekeepers were killed in the attack, according to the statement, which expressed condolences to their families.
The European governments said UN peacekeepers play a critical role in protecting civilians, supporting peace and stability, facilitating the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and monitoring and reporting human rights violations.
The attack comes amid persistent violence in South Sudan, particularly in Jonglei, where fighting and insecurity have taken a heavy toll on civilians and humanitarian workers.
Since January, 36 humanitarian staff and contractors have been killed in South Sudan while carrying out their duties, according to the statement. That figure has already exceeded the 31 humanitarian workers killed during the whole of 2025.
The European Union and the three governments urged South Sudan’s leaders to engage in genuine dialogue to support the peace process and prevent further violence.
The statement did not identify the perpetrators of the attack or provide further details about how the UN patrol was attacked.
Attacks on UN peacekeepers are prohibited under international law and can amount to war crimes when the relevant legal conditions are met.
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