Two Ethiopian Peacekeepers Killed In South Sudan

Two Ethiopian peacekeepers have been killed and seven others injured in an ambush in South Sudan, the United Nations said, as violence continues to worsen in the East African country.

The attack occurred on Monday in Jonglei State, where the peacekeepers were travelling in a patrol towards the town of Pajut. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said unidentified armed individuals carried out the ambush.

UNMISS said the attack could constitute war crimes and deployed a Quick Reaction Force to the area following the incident.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack, while UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho described the targeting of peacekeepers serving to support peace in South Sudan as unacceptable.

The latest incident comes amid worsening political and security instability in South Sudan, despite government plans to hold the country’s first elections in December.

A power-sharing agreement that ended the civil war in  the country in 2018 has come under increasing strain. President Salva Kiir’s longtime rival, Riek Machar, has been placed under house arrest and removed from his position as vice-president.

UN officials have warned that continued violence could undermine the planned elections and trigger renewed conflict.

UNMISS said 36 humanitarian workers have been killed in South Sudan so far this year.

The country is also facing severe humanitarian challenges, with major cuts in aid threatening food assistance for refugees and displaced people.

SOURCE: AFP