Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, lays a wreath during a memorial ceremony honoring the fallen Ethiopian peacekeepers. (Photo: Courtesy UNMISS/August 28, 2026)

South Sudan and Ethiopia have agreed to launch a joint investigation into the recent killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei State, as both nations move to reinforce border security and regional stability.

The consensus was reached during a high-level diplomatic meeting in Juba between South Sudan’s Presidential Security Advisor, Tut Gatluak Manimeh, and the Ethiopian Ambassador to South Sudan, Delil Kadir Bushra.

Discussions focused on deepening bilateral ties across key sectors, including cross-border security management, trade, economic development, and regional peace. Presidential Security Advisor Tut Gatluak reaffirmed Juba’s commitment to fostering regional security frameworks and neighborly cooperation.

Speaking after the meeting, Ambassador Delil Kadir Bushra stated that both governments agreed to establish joint mechanisms to curb cross-border criminal elements and neutralize groups destabilizing the shared frontier.

“We have discussed criminal activities on cross-border areas, and we have agreed to manage and to work together to find a solution on any groups which are undermining our border security,” Ambassador Bushra said.

Addressing the security incident involving peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the envoy confirmed a coordinated tripartite inquiry.

“We have also raised the issue of the recent attacks on our peacekeepers. We have agreed to investigate the criminals behind this attack together with the South Sudan government, the UNMISS, and Ethiopian government, and to bring justice to be served for our fallen brothers,” Bushra added, noting he received official condolences from the South Sudanese leadership.

Meanwhile, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, has reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation into the attack, which claimed the lives of two Ethiopian peacekeepers and left seven others injured while serving under the UN flag in Jonglei State.

Speaking during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the fallen peacekeepers, Ms. Gbeho paid tribute to the Ethiopian Battalion, commending its dedication, resilience, and professionalism under difficult circumstances.

Ethiopia’s Deputy Ambassador to South Sudan, Akililu Tadesse, welcomed the UN’s commitment to a full inquiry and affirmed that the Embassy stands ready to provide all necessary support to establish the facts and ensure accountability.

The two peacekeepers were killed earlier this week when an integrated UNMISS patrol came under fire from unidentified armed assailants. UNMISS has strongly condemned the ambush, reiterating that attacks targeting UN 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.

Both delegations affirmed that continuous bilateral engagements will proceed to protect common national interests and secure the shared border corridor.