Two United Nations peacekeepers from Ethiopia were killed in South Sudan after armed attackers lured their patrol into an ambush in the eastern Jonglei state, according to the UN mission in the country, Unmiss. The deadly attack, which took place while peacekeepers patrolled the volatile region, also left seven others injured, including three fellow peacekeepers, two police officers, and two government officials.
Escalating Violence and Casualties in Jonglei State
The latest ambush pushes the total death toll for UN peacekeepers in South Sudan to nine since the beginning of the year, according to Unmiss records. No militia has claimed responsibility for the assault. In response to the ambush, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, calling for an immediate investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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Political Fractures and the Stalled Peace Process
Violence in the region stems from a deep political fracture between government troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and armed factions linked to former vice president Riek Machar. The two leaders fought a destructive civil war that resulted in an estimated 400,000 deaths before a peace agreement was signed in 2018. However, implementation of the accord stalled repeatedly.
Tensions spiked significantly in December, when authorities arrested Machar over his alleged role in an attack on a military barracks. That arrest triggered fresh armed conflict across several areas, most notably in Jonglei state, where security forces and UN personnel continue to face direct threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the targeted peacekeepers?
The peacekeepers killed and injured in the Jonglei state ambush are all nationals of Ethiopia serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (Unmiss).
Has anyone claimed responsibility for the ambush?
As of now, no group or militia has claimed responsibility for the attack on the UN patrol.
What triggered the recent surge in fighting in South Sudan?
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