UK Condemns Ambush That Claimed the Lives of Two UN Peacekeepers in Jonglei

By Sasuk Taban

The United Kingdom has condemned an ambush in South Sudan’s Jonglei state that killed two United Nations peacekeepers and wounded seven others.

The attack targeted a UN patrol on Monday, prompting the British Embassy in Juba to call for a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation.

“We are deeply concerned by the persistent violence in Jonglei and elsewhere in South Sudan this year, which has killed civilians, humanitarian workers and now peacekeepers,” the embassy said in a statement.

The embassy urged South Sudanese authorities to identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable.

The identities and nationalities of the peacekeepers killed and wounded had not been disclosed. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, or UNMISS, also had not publicly identified the perpetrators.

Jonglei has experienced recurring insecurity and intercommunal violence, with localized clashes affecting civilians and humanitarian operations.

The United Kingdom called on South Sudan’s political and community leaders to coordinate efforts to end the violence and support regional peace initiatives.

It also reaffirmed its support for UNMISS and commended peacekeepers serving in difficult and dangerous conditions to protect civilians and promote stability in South Sudan.