South Sudan Ambush Kills Two Ethiopians Days After Kenyan Truck Driver’s Death

Two Ethiopian peacekeepers under the United Nations were killed in an ambush in South Sudan, days after a Kenyan truck driver was shot dead while transporting cargo in the country. 

The attack occurred on August 24 in Jonglei State, with seven other people injured, including three UN peacekeepers, two South Sudanese police officers, and two civilian staff members. 

Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the UN has called for an immediate investigation to identify those behind the attack and ensure they face legal action.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, warning that violence targeting UN personnel breaches international humanitarian law and could constitute a war crime.

“Attacks against UN peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law & may amount to war crimes,” he wrote in a late-night statement.

Guterres further expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of the two Ethiopian peacekeepers, as well as the people and government of Ethiopia. 

According to the spokesperson, the patrol was attacked by unidentified gunmen and appeared to have been deliberately targeted. 

Dujarric said the patrol formed part of regular UN operations seeking to address persistent insecurity in the area.

He reported that, after the latest deaths, nine UN peacekeepers have been killed in malicious acts worldwide since January 1. 

The attack came two days after Kenyan driver Ahmed Salat was reportedly shot dead on August 22 while transporting cargo to Wao, while his turnman survived after being badly assaulted. 

Subsequently, the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) issued a travel alert on August 24, warning Kenyan truckers of rising attacks and urging them to follow agreed security procedures. 

LoDDCA advised drivers to move in convoys, observe the 8am to 4pm travel window, and obtain police escorts when travelling through high-risk areas. 

Further, the association called on South Sudanese authorities and security agencies to strengthen patrols and share timely intelligence with transporters operating along major corridors.