South Sudan’s government has condemned an attack on a United Nations patrol convoy in Jonglei state that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and wounded seven people, calling for a joint investigation to identify those responsible.
The convoy, operated by the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), came under attack on Monday while travelling from Bor towards Pajut, about 10 km from Jalle, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement read by its spokesperson, Ambassador Apuk Ayuel.
“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan unequivocally condemns this attack,” the statement said on Tuesday.
The convoy comprised eight vehicles carrying 38 people, including Ethiopian peacekeepers, U.N. civilian and military personnel and four South Sudan National Police Service officers, the ministry said.
Two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed and seven personnel, including Ethiopian peacekeepers, South Sudanese police officers and U.N. civilian staff, were wounded. The injured were receiving medical treatment, the ministry said.
The government called for a “joint, thorough investigation” to establish the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible, saying those found responsible would be held accountable under the law.
The ministry expressed condolences to the Ethiopian government and the families and colleagues of the two peacekeepers killed while on duty.
The government also said it remains committed to working with UNMISS and national authorities to strengthen security coordination and operational cooperation.
The attack comes as insecurity and armed violence continue to pose challenges to the implementation of South Sudan’s peace process.
The Jonglei state, where the peacekeepers were ambushed, is contested by the government and opposition forces.
A UN human rights commission on South Sudan last week warned that the country is “at one of its most dangerous points” with a “worsening political, security, humanitarian and human rights situation”.
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