The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has strongly condemned what it described as a deadly ambush on its peacekeeping convoy in northern Jonglei State.

According to the mission, unidentified militants attacked the convoy while it was travelling between the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and Duk County. The peacekeepers were returning to their military base in Akobo County when they came under fire.

UNMISS confirmed that its forces responded in self-defence, in line with their mandate and the principles set by the UN Security Council.

The mission has called on the Government of South Sudan to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. It stressed that accountability must prevail, even when perpetrators operate in remote or inaccessible areas.

The United Nations has maintained a presence in South Sudan since before the country gained independence in 2011. The mission operates multiple bases across the nation’s ten states, with a mandate to protect civilians, monitor human rights, and support the implementation of peace agreements.

South Sudan became an independent nation in July 2011 after a 21-year conflict between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and the Sudanese government, then led by President Omar al-Bashir. The war was one of the longest-running conflicts in Africa’s history and ultimately resulted in South Sudan’s secession from Sudan.

Global bodies have expressed concern over continued insecurity in parts of Jonglei State, noting that peacekeeping forces have at times been forced to reposition or operate in high-risk areas due to attacks carried out by unidentified armed groups.

The latest incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing both peacekeepers and civilians in the region.