A United Nations staff member was assaulted by South Sudanese soldiers while driving to a U.N. base in Yambio on Sunday, the mission said.
The female staffer, part of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was stopped by two soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and suffered an ear injury in the attack, according to a statement from UNMISS extended to Radio Tamazuj.
“At around 1pm on 26 May, a female staff member serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan was assaulted after being stopped by two South Sudan People’s Defense Force soldiers while she was driving to the mission’s base in Yambio, suffering an injury to her ear,” the statement read in part.
“Following the incident, the mission engaged with the Acting Governor, the SSPDF, National Security Services, and the traffic police who promptly responded, ensuring the safety of the affected staff member. UNMISS has received an apology and letter of condemnation of the behaviour from the Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State and SSPDF has advised that the soldiers involved have been arrested,” it added.
UNMISS denounced the attack and called for accountability. “The mission condemns any violence against peacekeepers and urges that perpetrators be held responsible,” the statement said.
Local authorities swiftly responded, with the acting governor of Western Equatoria State issuing an apology and condemning the assault.
James Severino Morris, the state minister of local government and law enforcement, called the assault “deplorable and inhumane,” saying it violated South Sudan’s Status of Forces Agreement with the U.N.
The soldiers involved had been arrested, he said.
“This incident is a gross violation of human rights,” Morris said, adding that the state was committed to justice. He confirmed the soldiers were in military custody and under investigation.
UNMISS, established in 2011 to support peace efforts in South Sudan, has been repeatedly extended by the U.N. Security Council amid ongoing instability.