South Sudan Conflict Claims Two UN Peacekeepers in Jonglei Ambush

Two UN peacekeepers were killed and seven others injured when unidentified armed individuals ambushed a UNMISS patrol traveling to Pajut in Jonglei state, South Sudan. The South Sudan conflict has intensified risks for peacekeeping personnel amid renewed clashes.

Ambush on UNMISS Patrol

The patrol came under attack from unidentified armed individuals while traveling toward the remote area of Pajut in Jonglei state. [5] Two peacekeepers died in the incident, and seven others sustained injuries. [2] The dead and three of the injured peacekeepers were Ethiopian. [2] The remaining wounded included two South Sudanese police officers and two UN civilian staff. [1] UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support emergency response. [5] The mission noted that attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. [1] No group immediately claimed responsibility for the ambush. [2]

Official Condemnations and Legal Warnings

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UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho condemned the attack as unacceptable. [3] She called for a prompt thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible. [1] Gbeho stated that such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable. [2] She extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the peacekeepers who lost their lives and wished those injured a speedy recovery. [3] UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the ambush in the strongest terms and called for prosecution of the perpetrators. [2] The secretary-general reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to stand with the victims and their families during this profoundly difficult time. [2]

Rising Toll on Peacekeepers and Aid Workers

The incident brings the number of peacekeepers killed by militias in South Sudan since January 1 to nine. [2] More than 450 incidents of violence against humanitarian workers and assets were reported between January and July, more than double the figure from the same period last year. [2] At least 36 humanitarian workers have been killed since January. [4] South Sudan is among the most dangerous places for aid workers, according to UN agencies. [4] Attacks on humanitarian workers are unacceptable and violate international humanitarian law. [4]

Background of Renewed Conflict

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The 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar has collapsed. [2] Government troops have been combating fighters and militias loyal to Machar, who was suspended last year as vice president as he faces charges of treason and other offenses. [2] Machar says the charges are politically motivated. [2] The conflict escalated in December when opposition forces seized government outposts in Jonglei. [2] The government has been carrying out a counteroffensive since January, with aerial bombardments and ground assaults, despite an official commitment to the peace agreement. [2] The United States has urged for talks between Kiir and Machar. [2] Earlier this year, it called for urgent action to uphold peace and mitigate the risk of civil war through an immediate return to dialogue among the parties to the 2018 peace agreement. [2] South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after more than two decades of civil war. [4] Just two years later, the new country descended into a separate civil war after a political struggle between President Salva Kiir and his then deputy, Riek Machar. [4] Around 400,000 people died during the civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018. [1] From 2025 onward the security situation has deteriorated again. [1] The United Nations warns that the country risks returning to large-scale armed conflict. [1]

UNMISS Mandate and Operations

Around 12,000 military, police and civilian personnel participate in the UN mission in South Sudan. [1] Established shortly after independence in 2011, UNMISS is mandated to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access, monitor human-rights violations and support the country's peace process and political transition. [4] The mission’s objective is to support stabilization of the country. [1]

Calls for Accountability and Dialogue

UNMISS called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. [3] The mission emphasized that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, including international humanitarian law. [3] Regional monitors and international bodies urge immediate restraint. [3] The path toward lasting stability depends on renewed political dialogue, strict adherence to international humanitarian law, and the unconditional protection of humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel working on the ground. [3]

What to watch next: International pressure continues for an immediate return to dialogue among the parties to the 2018 peace agreement while authorities face mounting calls to stabilize the region and protect personnel.