Secretary-General Condemns Deadly Ambush on Peacekeepers in South Sudan, Calls for Accountability

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest possible terms Monday's ambush by unidentified armed individuals on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol in Jonglei State in South Sudan.

Two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed in the attack, while seven others were injured, including three Ethiopian peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two UNMISS civilian staff. The Secretary-General expresses his deep condolences to the families of those killed and to their respective Governments and wishes all those injured a swift and full recovery.

The Secretary-General reminds that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes. All attacks on peacekeepers must be promptly investigated, and those responsible must be effectively prosecuted and held accountable.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations commitment to stand with the victims and their families during this profoundly difficult time.