UNMISS honours fallen peacekeepers during dedicated memorial service
JUBA – It was a perfect day for a final goodbye. The sun shone brightly on a simple yet poignant memorial service in Juba today.
Colleagues from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) gathered to pay their respects to two Ethiopian peacekeepers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of peace. They tragically lost their lives during an attack on an UNMISS patrol in South Sudan’s Jonglei state on 24 August.
“Their courage, dedication and commitment to protecting civilians embody the highest ideals of United Nations Peacekeeping. As we lay these wreaths today, we honour their service and the lives they touched. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
These words from the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS Anita Kiki Gbeho echoed the sentiments of all those attending as this loss is deeply felt across the UNMISS family and beyond.
“Our brothers exemplified the greatest qualities of our military—bravery, selflessness and unwavering dedication to defending the vulnerable,” highlighted Charge d’Affaires of Ethiopia, H.E. Akililu Tadesse.
Heartfelt condolences were given to their families, loved ones, and those who had the privilege to serve alongside them.
The ceremony also paid tribute to another Ethiopian colleague that sadly passed away following an illness.
SRSG Gbeho spoke about the lasting commitment of Ethiopian peacekeepers to the people of South Sudan. Since 2014, they have served with unwavering professionalism and bravery in some of the most challenging operational environments across the country.
As the fallen peacekeepers begin their final journey home, their legacy and their impact will continue to serve as a powerful reminder to everyone – that peacekeeping is not just a profession but a higher calling to protect those who need our help the most.
“We will honour our fallen colleagues by carrying forward the work to which they devoted their lives. May they rest in eternal peace, may their memory continue to inspire us, and may their sacrifice strengthen our shared resolve to build lasting peace in South Sudan,” concluded SRSG Gbeho.
As the ceremony ended, the entire Mission stood united grief and respect, saying goodbye to those we have lost. They will never be forgotten.
By Jaella Brockmann