{{Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) have condemned in the “strongest” terms the 9 April attack by unidentified armed persons on a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) convoy in South Sudan’s Jonglei state.}}
At least five Indian peacekeepers, two UNMISS staff and five civilians were reportedly killed Tuesday near Gumuruk settlement in Jonglei’s Pibor County. Some UN staff, the mission said, remained unaccounted for.
The Security Council, in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, expressed their condolences to the families of the peacekeepers and the UNMISS staff killed in the attack, as well as to the Government of India.
Members of the UNSC urged South Sudan government to “swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice,” further reiterated their full support for UNMISS and the troop contributing countries, but called on all parties in new nation to cooperate with the mission.
Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General equally condemned in the killing of the peacekeepers, UNMISS staff and civilians, and urged the Government of South Sudan to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.
According to Ki-moon, killing of peacekeepers is a “war crime that falls under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court”.
“The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the Governments of India and South Sudan and to the families of the peacekeepers, staff members and contractors killed in the attack,” the statement reads in part.
Hilde Johnson, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan, said the “attack will not deter UNMISS and its peacekeepers from working to protect vulnerable communities in South Sudan”, adding that her mission “is determined to continue its work in supporting authorities ensure peace.”
The mission, a day before the attack, warned of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Jonglei, the country’s largest.
Dlamini Zuma, the African Union Chairperson also strongly condemned the “criminal” and “cowardly” attack, extending the regional body’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the peacekeepers, their respective countries, UNMISS and the UN secretariat.
“The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU’s deep appreciation of the outstanding work being done by UNMISS. She encourages the mission to persevere in its efforts, despite the very challenging environment in which it is operating,” partly reads the statement it issued on Wednesday.
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