Addis Ababa, August 30: The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned an armed attack on a United Nations (UN) convoy in Jonglei State, South Sudan, which occurred on Monday.
In a press statement, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yusuf expressed his outrage over the deadly assault on a joint patrol team of the UN mission by unidentified attackers.
Yusuf paid tribute to the two Ethiopian peacekeepers who lost their lives in the attack, which also left seven others injured.
According to reports from Xinhua News Agency, he urged South Sudanese authorities to promptly investigate the incident and take action against those responsible.
The statement read, “The AU Commission Chairperson extends heartfelt condolences to the Ethiopian government and to the families, colleagues, and friends of the peacekeepers who were killed and injured in this attack.”
Yusuf reiterated that the African Union will continue to support the South Sudanese government and its people in their efforts to achieve democratic change and lasting peace.
The UN mission has deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and assist with emergency relief efforts.
Earlier, on August 24, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemned a similar ambush on its patrol team heading towards the Pajut area in Jonglei State, which resulted in the deaths of two peacekeepers.
A statement from UNMISS, issued from the capital Juba, confirmed that “two peacekeepers were killed in the attack, while seven others were injured. The injured included three peacekeepers, two members of the South Sudan National Police Service, and two civilian staff.”
Anita Kiki Geho, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, stated that such violence targeting personnel working to establish peace in South Sudan is completely unacceptable.
She expressed her deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen peacekeepers and wished for the swift recovery of the injured.
Geho also called on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation into the incident.
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