South Sudan Conflict Claims Lives of Two U.N. Peacekeepers in Ambush

The South Sudan conflict has claimed the lives of two U.N. peacekeepers from Ethiopia who were killed in an ambush on a patrol, with several others injured and the total number of peacekeepers killed in malicious acts this year now reaching nine. [1]

Attack on U.N. Patrol

The attack was carried out by unidentified gunmen and the patrol appeared to have been deliberately targeted. [1] Among the injured were three U.N. peacekeepers, two South Sudanese police officers and two civilian staff members. [1] The U.N. conducts regular patrols in volatile areas affected by intercommunal fighting, armed youth mobilizations and clashes involving government forces. [1] These are part of regular patrols that the U.N. has been doing in trying to help the constant insecurity in the area, according to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. [1] The latest violence brings to nine the number of peacekeepers killed in malicious acts since January 1 of this year. [1]

U.N. Response and Call for Investigation

The U.N. has called for a thorough and prompt investigation to bring those responsible to justice. [1] U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a press briefing that the U.N. has called on relevant authorities for a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice. [1] He stressed that attacks against U.N. peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. [1] The U.N. has called on relevant authorities for a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice, Dujarric said. [1] Attacks against U.N. peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, he added. [1]

UN peacekeepers patrol a volatile area in South Sudan amid ongoing conflict. — Source: ocha

Toll on Peacekeepers This Year

The latest violence brings to nine the number of peacekeepers killed in malicious acts since January 1 of this year. [1] This figure reflects the cumulative deaths of peacekeepers in malicious acts since the start of the year. [1] The total now stands at nine following the ambush that killed the two Ethiopian U.N. peacekeepers. [1] U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted that the latest violence brings to nine the number of peacekeepers killed in malicious acts since January 1 of this year. [1] This count includes only those killed in malicious acts up to the time of the report. [1]

Operating Environment in South Sudan

Attacks on U.N. personnel are rare but not unprecedented in South Sudan, where U.N. patrols operate in volatile areas affected by intercommunal fighting, armed youth mobilizations and clashes involving government forces. [1] The U.N. conducts regular patrols in volatile areas affected by intercommunal fighting, armed youth mobilizations and clashes involving government forces. [1] These patrols aim to help address the constant insecurity in the area. [1] U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described the patrols as part of efforts to help the constant insecurity in the area. [1] The operating conditions remain challenging due to ongoing intercommunal fighting and other armed activities. [1]

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U.N. Security Council Action

In June the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution to strengthen accountability for attacks on peacekeepers amid rising violence and low prosecution rates. [1] That followed a series of incidents targeting U.N. personnel, including the killing of seven peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon after a fresh round of fighting broke out between Israel and Hezbollah in early March. [1] The resolution was adopted amid concern over rising violence and low prosecution rates. [1] It aimed at strengthening accountability for attacks on U.N. peacekeepers. [1] The action came after incidents including those in Lebanon. [1]

South Sudan Conflict and Regional Developments

The South Sudan conflict continues amid broader regional challenges, including efforts to prepare for potential Ebola spread from neighboring areas. [4] No cases have been confirmed in South Sudan, but the Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo and continued movement of people across the border mean there is a risk of the virus spreading. [4] On 19 August, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, visited the towns of Yei and Libogo in Central Equatoria State to assess Ebola preparedness efforts. [4] Humanitarian workers must be protected and able to safely deliver Ebola supplies to border areas. [4] This comes after four humanitarian workers were abducted on 11 August by unidentified armed men along the Yei-Lasu Road in Central Equatoria State while transporting critical Ebola supplies to the border town of Libogo. [4] They were later released. [4] The U.N. and its partners continue to support Government-led efforts in South Sudan to prepare for the potential spread of Ebola. [4] Readiness efforts include surveillance, screening at points of entry, ensuring the preparedness of health facilities, training health workers, providing medical supplies, and raising awareness nationwide through radio and social media. [4] The South Sudan conflict overlaps with these humanitarian priorities as patrols operate in the same volatile areas. [1]

What to watch next: The U.N. has called on relevant authorities for a thorough and prompt investigation into the ambush, while the Security Council resolution aims to strengthen accountability amid ongoing incidents.