The African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5) has strongly condemned a fatal ambush on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol in Jonglei State that resulted in the deaths of Ethiopian peacekeepers. The ambush occurred on August 24, as a UNMISS patrol was traveling towards Pajut. The incident has prompted the C5 to call on South Sudanese authorities to immediately investigate and ensure the protection of civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarian personnel.
According to the United Nations, two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed and seven people injured in the ambush. However, the AU C5 declaration reports that the attack resulted in the deaths of three Ethiopian UN peacekeepers and injured seven others. The discrepancy in casualty numbers between the two organizations has not been explained. The C5 expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those killed, as well as to the Government and people of Ethiopia and the United Nations family.
The C5's declaration was made following a virtual summit on September 29, 2026. During the summit, the committee stressed the need for full respect of the Permanent Ceasefire in South Sudan. They emphasized the importance of protecting UN peacekeepers operating in the country. The call for an immediate investigation places responsibility on the South Sudanese authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure accountability for those responsible.
The ambush on the UNMISS patrol is a significant incident, especially given the role of UN personnel in supporting peace and civilian protection in South Sudan. The C5's condemnation and call for an investigation demonstrate the international community's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Jonglei State and the need for continued efforts to stabilize the region.
The African Union's High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5) plays a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the country. The committee's involvement in addressing the killing of Ethiopian peacekeepers underscores its commitment to supporting the implementation of peace agreements and protecting human life. The C5's actions are aimed at promoting accountability and ensuring that those responsible for violence are brought to justice.
The incident has also raised concerns about the security situation in South Sudan, where UN personnel continue to operate in support of peace and civilian protection. The country's authorities face pressure to investigate the ambush and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The international community is closely watching the situation, and the C5's call for an investigation is a significant step towards ensuring accountability.
The African Union's condemnation of the ambush and its call for an investigation are a reminder of the importance of protecting human life and promoting accountability in South Sudan. The incident highlights the need for continued international support and engagement to promote peace and stability in the country.
Key points
- The African Union has called on South Sudanese authorities to investigate the killing of Ethiopian peacekeepers in Jonglei State.
- The ambush on August 24 resulted in the deaths of three Ethiopian UN peacekeepers and injured seven others.
- The incident has prompted the international community to stress the need for full respect of the Permanent Ceasefire in South Sudan.
