ADDIS ABABA — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has strongly condemned a deadly attack on a joint patrol involving United Nations peacekeepers in South Sudan’s Jonglei state, the AU said.
The attack, carried out by an unidentified armed group on August 25, killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and wounded seven others, according to the AU.
Youssouf extended his condolences to the Ethiopian government and to the families, friends and colleagues of the two peacekeepers who were killed.
He also wished a speedy recovery to the seven personnel who were wounded in the attack.
The AU chief praised the peacekeepers for their efforts to support peace and stability in South Sudan, and called on the country’s authorities to urgently investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
“The African Union stands in solidarity with the people and government of South Sudan,” Youssouf said, according to the statement.
He reaffirmed the AU’s continued support for efforts to promote peace and stability in the country, including initiatives aimed at securing a credible and inclusive democratic transition.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has struggled with political instability and recurring violence despite a 2018 peace agreement that ended much of the country’s civil war.
UNMISS has deployed thousands of personnel across the country to protect civilians, support humanitarian operations and help implement the peace process.
The latest attack highlights the continuing risks faced by peacekeepers and civilians in parts of South Sudan, where armed violence and political tensions remain a major challenge.
Youssouf called for renewed efforts to protect peacekeeping personnel and strengthen security in areas affected by conflict.
He said the African Union would continue working with South Sudanese authorities and communities to support a lasting peace and a credible democratic transition.
