By Louis Loku
The European Union Delegation to the Republic of South Sudan, together with the Embassies of Germany, France, and the Netherlands, has strongly condemned the deadly attack on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol in Jonglei State.
In a statement, the European representatives described the attack as unacceptable and called for a full and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The statement emphasised the important role played by UN peacekeepers in South Sudan, saying they work to protect civilians, promote peace and stability, facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, and monitor and report on human rights.
“Attacks against peacekeepers are unacceptable and may constitute war crimes under international law,” the European Union and the three embassies said.
The European representatives also expressed their deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the peacekeepers who lost their lives in the attack.
The two UN peacekeepers killed in the incident were described as having paid the ultimate price while serving in support of peace and humanitarian efforts in South Sudan.
The European Union and the embassies further raised concern over the continuing violence in South Sudan, particularly in Jonglei, saying the conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians and humanitarian workers.
According to the statement, 36 humanitarian staff and contractors have been killed in the line of duty in South Sudan since January this year. The figure has already surpassed the 31 humanitarian workers killed throughout 2025.
The European representatives called on South Sudanese leaders to take urgent steps to address the persistent violence and engage in genuine dialogue to strengthen the country’s peace process.
They stressed that political leaders have a responsibility to prevent further violence and create conditions that allow civilians, humanitarian workers, and peacekeepers to operate safely.
The condemnation comes amid continued security challenges in parts of South Sudan, where violence has affected communities and disrupted humanitarian operations.
The European Union and Germany, France, and the Netherlands reiterated their call for accountability over the attack and urged South Sudan’s leaders to work toward lasting peace and stability.
The statement also highlighted the need to protect those working to assist vulnerable communities and ensure that humanitarian assistance can reach people in need without obstruction or violence