Addis Ababa: The African Union (AU) has condemned the armed attack on a United Nations (UN) convoy in South Sudan’s Jonglei State that left two Ethiopian peacekeepers dead and seven others injured.

In a press statement, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf “strongly condemns the fatal attack carried out by unidentified assailants against a joint patrol of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in Jonglei State, South Sudan.”

Youssouf paid tribute to the two Ethiopian peacekeepers who lost their lives in the attack and expressed condolences to the government of Ethiopia, as well as the families, colleagues and friends of those killed or injured.

He called on South Sudanese authorities to immediately investigate the attack and prosecute those responsible.

AU Calls for Probe Into Deadly Attack

The AU Commission Chairperson reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the government and people of South Sudan in their efforts to achieve a credible democratic transition and sustainable peace.

The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of UN personnel working to support peace and stability in the conflict-affected country.

UN Deploys Quick Reaction Force

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) also strongly condemned the ambush on its patrol travelling to Pajut in Jonglei State.

According to UNMISS, two peacekeepers were killed in the attack, while seven others were injured. Those injured included three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two civilian staff.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, said that deadly violence targeting personnel serving to support peace in South Sudan was completely 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,” Gbeho said, while calling on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation.

UNMISS said it has deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support emergency response operations.