Juba and Addis Ababa agree to a tripartite investigation into the killing of two UN peacekeepers in Jonglei State.
South Sudan and Ethiopia will jointly investigate the recent killing of two Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei State, following a diplomatic meeting in Juba. The agreement aims to reinforce border security and regional stability. Presidential Security Advisor Tut Gatluak Manimeh and Ethiopian Ambassador Delil Kadir Bushra discussed deepening bilateral ties, including cross-border security, trade, and economic development. Ambassador Bushra stated that both governments will establish joint mechanisms to curb cross-border criminal elements destabilizing the shared frontier.
The investigation into the attack on peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) will be a coordinated tripartite inquiry involving the South Sudanese government, the UNMISS, and the Ethiopian government. The envoy confirmed that official condolences were received from the South Sudanese leadership. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Anita Kiki Gbeho, reaffirmed UNMISS's commitment to a thorough investigation and paid tribute to the fallen Ethiopian peacekeepers.
Two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed and seven others injured when an integrated UNMISS patrol came under fire from unidentified armed assailants in Jonglei State. UNMISS has condemned the ambush, noting that attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. Both delegations affirmed that continuous bilateral engagements will proceed to protect common national interests, secure the shared border corridor, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Why it mattersThe joint investigation into the killing of UN peacekeepers affects South Sudan and Ethiopia by aiming to bring perpetrators to justice and enhance border security.
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