AU condemns fatal attack on UN peacekeepers in South Sudan's Jonglei
Synopsis
Two Ethiopian UN peacekeepers were killed and seven others injured in a targeted ambush on a UNMISS patrol in South Sudan's volatile Jonglei State — the second such deadly attack in under a week. The African Union has demanded immediate investigation and prosecution, as the back-to-back assaults expose deepening security risks for international peacekeeping personnel in one of Africa's most fragile conflict zones.
Key Takeaways
The African Union strongly condemned a fatal attack on a UNMISS joint patrol in Jonglei State, South Sudan .
Two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed; seven others — including peacekeepers, police, and civilian staff — were injured.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called on South Sudan's authorities to immediately investigate and prosecute the perpetrators.
A second similar ambush had struck a UNMISS patrol travelling to Pajut on 24 August , with identical casualties.
UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support emergency response operations.
The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned a deadly armed attack on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) joint patrol in Jonglei State, South Sudan, which killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and left seven others injured. The assault, carried out by unidentified assailants on Monday, 25 August 2025, has drawn sharp international condemnation and renewed calls for accountability.
What Happened
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf issued a press statement strongly condemning what he described as a 'heinous attack' against a joint UNMISS patrol travelling in Jonglei State. The chairperson paid tribute to the two Ethiopian peacekeepers who lost their lives and extended condolences to the government of Ethiopia as well as to the families and colleagues of those killed or wounded.
The attack left seven others injured, including three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel, and two civilian staff members, according to a statement issued by UNMISS from Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
UN's Response on the Ground
UNMISS confirmed it deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support emergency response operations in the aftermath of the assault. Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, called the attack 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, urging relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation.
Calls for Investigation and Prosecution
AU Commission Chairperson Youssouf called on South Sudan's authorities to immediately investigate and prosecute the perpetrators. He reaffirmed the AU's commitment to supporting the government and people of South Sudan in their efforts to achieve a credible democratic transition and sustainable peace.
Notably, this is not an isolated incident. An earlier ambush on 24 August targeted an UNMISS patrol travelling to Pajut in the same Jonglei State, resulting in identical casualties — two peacekeepers killed and seven injured. The back-to-back attacks within days suggest a pattern of escalating violence against peacekeeping personnel in the region.
Broader Context
South Sudan has been in a fragile peace process following years of civil conflict. UNMISS has maintained a presence in the country since 2011 to support stabilisation efforts. Jonglei State has historically been one of the most volatile regions in the country, plagued by inter-communal violence and armed group activity. The repeated targeting of UN convoys raises serious concerns about the safety of peacekeeping personnel and the durability of the peace framework. The international community will be watching closely whether Juba acts swiftly on the AU and UN's demands for accountability.
Point of View
And one that demands more than condemnation statements. The AU and UN have issued the right words, but words have not deterred previous attacks on peacekeepers in South Sudan. Jonglei has remained a lawless flashpoint for years despite the peace framework, and the targeting of joint patrols signals that armed groups are growing bolder, not more cautious. The real accountability test is whether Juba's government — itself a party to fragile peace arrangements — has the capacity and political will to prosecute unidentified assailants in territory it barely controls.
NationPress
30 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to UN peacekeepers in South Sudan's Jonglei State?
A joint UNMISS patrol was ambushed by unidentified assailants in Jonglei State, South Sudan, killing two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injuring seven others, including peacekeepers, police personnel, and civilian staff. It was the second such deadly attack on a UNMISS patrol in the region within a week.
How did the African Union respond to the attack?
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf strongly condemned the attack, extended condolences to Ethiopia and the victims' families, and called on South Sudan's authorities to immediately investigate and prosecute those responsible. He also reaffirmed the AU's commitment to supporting South Sudan's peace process.
Who were the peacekeepers killed in the South Sudan attack?
The two peacekeepers killed were Ethiopian nationals serving as part of the UNMISS joint patrol in Jonglei State. The AU Commission chairperson paid specific tribute to them and conveyed condolences to the Ethiopian government.
What action has UNMISS taken after the attack?
UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support emergency response operations following the attack. UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho called the violence completely unacceptable and urged a thorough and prompt investigation by relevant authorities.
Why is Jonglei State significant in South Sudan's conflict?
Jonglei State is historically one of South Sudan's most volatile regions, marked by inter-communal violence and armed group activity. The repeated targeting of UN convoys there raises serious concerns about the security of peacekeeping personnel and the stability of the broader peace process.
