The United States and South Sudan’s peace-monitoring body have condemned an attack on a United Nations peacekeeping convoy in Jonglei State that killed two peacekeepers and injured seven others.
The attack occurred on Monday, Aug. 24, as a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) force-protection convoy was travelling to Pajut in Jonglei State, according to separate statements by the U.S. Embassy and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).
The U.S. Embassy said the convoy was attacked by armed youth, while RJMEC said the assailants were yet to be identified.
The U.S. Embassy said the attack killed two peacekeepers and injured seven people. RJMEC said the wounded included three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two UNMISS civilian staff.
“We denounce any targeting of United Nations peacekeepers, who work to protect civilians and foster peace and stability in South Sudan,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement issued on Monday.
It called for a full and transparent investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable. The embassy also said it remained deeply troubled by persistent intercommunal and armed violence in Jonglei and its impact on civilians and peacekeepers.
RJMEC, the body overseeing implementation of South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement, also condemned the attack and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
“Violence against peacekeepers and other UN personnel serving to support the long-suffering people of South Sudan must not go unpunished,” RJMEC said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
RJMEC urged the authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the attack and identify those responsible.
The commission said attacks on personnel mandated to support peace, stability and civilian protection were unacceptable and undermined efforts to restore security in South Sudan.
It also urged parties to the 2018 peace agreement to embrace inclusive dialogue, cease hostilities and fully adhere to the accord. RJMEC called for the resumption of transitional security arrangements, including the unification and redeployment of forces, as well as disarmament of civilians.
The commission said stronger security measures were needed to prevent opportunistic attacks by armed groups.
The United States also called on South Sudanese political and community leaders to act urgently to halt further violence and protect those working to advance peace and security.
The attack comes as violence and insecurity continue to challenge South Sudan’s fragile peace process, with Jonglei among the states affected by recurrent intercommunal and armed conflict.
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