By Lodu William Odiya
At least two United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) peacekeepers have been killed in an ambush, while 7 were injured by unidentified armed individuals while patrolling to Pajut in Jonglei State.
According to a statement from UNMISS on Monday, 3 peacekeepers, 2 South Sudan National Police Service personnel, and 2 civilian staff were included in the incident.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strongly condemns today’s ambush, underscoring that the mission has deployed a quick reaction force to secure the area and support the emergency response.
“Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable. I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the peacekeepers who lost their lives and wish those injured a speedy recovery,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.
The mission recalls that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, including international humanitarian law.
“I call on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” SRSG Gbeho added.
Meanwhile, Western Equatoria State Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa also called for an immediate end to road ambushes and urged young people involved in armed activities to abandon violence and return home.
In a statement that was released by his press unit on Monday, Governor Badagbu said Western Equatoria State has maintained relative peace and warned against actions that could undermine the stability achieved in the state.
The governor condemned road ambushes and other acts of violence against civilians, saying communities are tired of war and should not be allowed to return to instability.
He appealed to parents, relatives, and community members who may be harbouring or supporting young people in the bush to advise them to abandon armed activities and come back home.
“We are tired of war. We cannot continue destabilising our own area,” the statement partly read.
He urged communities to work together to protect the existing peace and focus on development and prosperity.
“We have moved from instability to relative peace. From stability, we must now move to prosperity,” he said.
Governor Badagbu stressed that maintaining peace is essential for the safety of communities, the movement of people and goods, and the continued development of Western Equatoria State.
He called on all stakeholders, including parents and community leaders, to play their part in encouraging young people to return home and embrace peace.