Pibor-Jonglei Map|Courtesy

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemns a Monday’s ambush by unidentified armed elements on a peacekeeping convoy along the border between Jonglei state and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).

The incident according to UNMISS, occurred as it engineering contingent, accompanied by a security escort of military peacekeepers, was travelling from Akobo in Jonglei to Pibor in GPAA.

UNMISS said the convoy was stopped at an unauthorized roadblock and subsequently came under fire.

This prompted the peacekeepers to respond in self defence, in accordance with their mandate and rules of engagement. No UN personnel was injured.

“Attacks against our peacekeepers are unacceptable,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS. “We appeal to authorities to undertake a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation to ensure those responsible are held to account.”

UNMISS recalls that attacks directed against UN peacekeepers may constitute a war crime.