India Condemns Attack On UN Peacekeepers In South Sudan, Calls For Probe And Accountability

India has condemned the deadly ambush on UN peacekeepers in South Sudan, after two Ethiopian Blue Helmets were killed and seven others were injured while serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The attack took place on August 24 when unidentified armed individuals ambushed a UNMISS patrol travelling to Pajut in Jonglei state, according to the UN mission. The seven injured included three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two civilian staff members. UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support the emergency response.

India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York condemned the attack, paid tribute to the fallen Ethiopian peacekeepers and wished those injured a speedy recovery. India also stressed the sanctity and inviolability of UN premises and personnel, calling on all parties to ensure the safety of peacekeepers operating under UN Security Council mandates.

New Delhi urged full adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2589, which addresses accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers, and called for an immediate and thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.

UNMISS chief Anita Kiki Gbeho also strongly condemned the attack, describing violence against personnel serving to support peace in South Sudan as unacceptable. The mission warned that attacks targeting UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and called for a prompt investigation.

The assault comes amid renewed instability in South Sudan, where violence has intensified in several areas. UN reporting has highlighted deadly attacks by armed groups in recent weeks, while tensions surrounding the country’s fragile peace process have raised fears of a wider deterioration in security.

The latest attack underscores the risks faced by UN personnel working to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian assistance and support peace efforts in the conflict-affected country. India’s call for accountability comes as the UN continues to press South Sudanese authorities to protect peacekeepers and ensure those responsible for attacks against them face justice.