UNMISS: Two Peacekeepers Killed in South Sudan Ambush

• Two UN peacekeepers were killed in an ambush on their patrol in South Sudan's Jonglei state on August 24.
• Seven other individuals, including peacekeepers, police, and civilian staff, were injured in the attack by unidentified armed individuals.
• The head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, condemned the violence and called for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
• Attacks against UN peacekeepers are considered potential war crimes under international law, including international humanitarian law.
• Over 160 UNMISS personnel have died since the mission's deployment in 2011, which currently includes over 12,000 personnel from 74 countries.

Attacks against UN peacekeepers are considered potential war crimes under international law, including international humanitarian law.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported on Monday, August 24, that two of its peacekeepers were killed during an ambush. The fatal incident occurred as a UNMISS patrol was en route to Pajut, located within South Sudan's Jonglei state. Unidentified armed individuals carried out the attack, which also resulted in multiple injuries among the mission's personnel and associated staff.

Beyond the two fatalities, seven other individuals sustained injuries in the ambush. These included three additional peacekeepers, two members of the South Sudan National Police Service, and two civilian staff members. Following the assault, UNMISS swiftly deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and provide immediate emergency support to those affected by the violence.

This UNMISS attack in Jonglei state underscores the persistent dangers faced by personnel dedicated to maintaining peace in the region. The mission's statement highlighted the unacceptable nature of such targeted violence against those working to support stability in South Sudan.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, who serves as both the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and the Head of UNMISS, issued a strong condemnation of the attack. She emphasized that such deadly acts of violence against UNMISS personnel are intolerable, particularly given their critical role in fostering peace within South Sudan. Ms. Gbeho extended her deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the peacekeepers who lost their lives and expressed wishes for a swift recovery for all those injured.

The mission explicitly stated that targeting UN peacekeepers can be classified as war crimes under international law, including the principles of international humanitarian law. This legal framing highlights the severe consequences for perpetrators of such attacks. Ms. Gbeho called upon the relevant authorities to initiate a thorough and prompt investigation into the incident, with the aim of ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the legal protections afforded to United Nations personnel and the potential for international criminal prosecution for those who violate these protections. Lawyers specializing in international criminal law or human rights should closely monitor the investigation into this attack, as it explicitly raises potential war crimes under international humanitarian law.

The recent loss of life adds to a somber tally for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Since its establishment in 2011, UNMISS has reported over 160 fatalities among its personnel, illustrating the high-risk environment in which the mission operates. These United Nations Mission in South Sudan casualties underscore the ongoing challenges to peace and security in the country.

As of May, UNMISS comprises a substantial force of more than 12,000 personnel. This includes approximately 10,300 military and police officers drawn from 74 different contributing nations worldwide. For instance, Rwanda is a significant contributor, providing nearly 1,800 military and police officers to the mission. The scale of this international deployment highlights the global commitment to peace in South Sudan, even in the face of such grave dangers.

Lawyers specializing in international criminal law or human rights should monitor the investigation into this attack, as it explicitly raises potential war crimes under international humanitarian law. This incident underscores the legal protections for UN personnel and the severe consequences for those who target them, which could inform advice to clients operating in conflict zones or contributing to peacekeeping missions.

Source: Original reporting via New Times