US, RJMEC Condemn UN Convoy Jonglei Attack in South Sudan

• A United Nations peacekeeping convoy was attacked in South Sudan's Jonglei State on Monday, August 24, resulting in the deaths of two peacekeepers and injuries to seven other individuals.
• The U.S. Embassy attributed the attack to armed youth, while the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) stated the assailants remained unidentified.
• Both the United States and RJMEC strongly condemned the violence, calling for a full, transparent, and impartial investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
• RJMEC urged parties to the 2018 peace agreement to cease hostilities and implement transitional security arrangements, including force unification and civilian disarmament.
• The incident highlights persistent intercommunal and armed violence in Jonglei, challenging South Sudan's fragile peace process.

The attack on the UNMISS convoy in Jonglei State underscores the ongoing challenges to South Sudan's fragile peace process, with Jonglei being one of the states frequently affected by recurrent intercommunal and armed conflict.

An attack on a United Nations peacekeeping convoy in South Sudan's Jonglei State resulted in fatalities and injuries, prompting strong condemnation from international bodies. The incident, which occurred on Monday, August 24, involved a force-protection convoy from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) that was en route to Pajut. Two peacekeepers were killed during the assault, and seven other individuals sustained injuries.

The U.S. Embassy in South Sudan reported that the convoy was targeted by armed youth. However, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), the body tasked with overseeing the implementation of South Sudan's 2018 peace agreement, stated that the assailants had not yet been identified. While the U.S. Embassy confirmed two peacekeepers dead and seven injured, RJMEC provided a more detailed breakdown of the wounded, indicating that three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel, and two UNMISS civilian staff were among those harmed.

Both the United States and RJMEC swiftly condemned the assault, emphasizing the critical role of peacekeepers in the region. The U.S. Embassy issued a statement on Monday, denouncing any targeting of United Nations peacekeepers, who are dedicated to protecting civilians and fostering peace and stability within South Sudan. The embassy called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and demanded that those responsible be held accountable for their actions. Furthermore, the U.S. Embassy expressed deep concern regarding the persistent intercommunal and armed violence prevalent in Jonglei, highlighting its severe impact on both civilians and peacekeepers.

RJMEC, in its statement released on Tuesday, echoed the condemnation, asserting that violence against peacekeepers and other UN personnel, who serve to support the long-suffering people of South Sudan, must not go unpunished. The commission urged authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation to identify the perpetrators. It underscored that attacks on personnel mandated to support peace, stability, and civilian protection are unacceptable and actively undermine efforts to restore security across the nation.

The attack on the UNMISS convoy in Jonglei State underscores the ongoing challenges to South Sudan's fragile peace process, with Jonglei being one of the states frequently affected by recurrent intercommunal and armed conflict. RJMEC called upon all parties to the 2018 peace agreement to engage in inclusive dialogue, cease hostilities, and fully adhere to the accord's provisions. The commission specifically advocated for the resumption of transitional security arrangements, which include the unification and redeployment of forces, as well as the disarmament of civilians.

To prevent future opportunistic attacks by armed groups, RJMEC stressed the necessity of implementing stronger security measures. Concurrently, the United States appealed to South Sudanese political and community leaders to take urgent action to prevent further violence and ensure the protection of individuals working to advance peace and security in the country. The incident highlights the critical need for robust security frameworks and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders to stabilize the region and protect those dedicated to humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts.

Organizations and businesses operating in South Sudan, especially in Jonglei State, should reassess their security risk profiles and compliance with international human rights due diligence, given the persistent violence and direct threats to international personnel. This incident highlights the ongoing instability and the potential for future calls for accountability and investigations into such attacks.

Source: Original reporting via unnamed source