Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Tuesday, 25 August 2026, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC CONDEMNS DEADLY AMBUSH ON UNMISS PATROL IN PAJUT, JONGLEI STATE AND CALLS FOR JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS 

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) strongly condemns the deadly ambush on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol travelling to Pajut in Jonglei State on Monday, 24 August 2026.

The attack by yet to be identified armed individuals resulted in the tragic killing of two UN peacekeepers and the injury of seven other individuals, including three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two UNMISS civilian staff. RJMEC extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones of the peacekeepers who lost their dear lives in the line of duty and wishes all those injured a speedy and full recovery. 

RJMEC is deeply concerned that personnel mandated to support peace, stability and the protection of civilians in South Sudan continue to face unwarranted deadly attacks. Such acts of violence are unacceptable and undermine efforts to restore peace, security and stability in the country.

The Commission calls on the relevant authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the attack and ensure those responsible are identified and promptly brought to justice. Violence against peacekeepers and other UN personnel serving to support the long-suffering people of South Sudan must not go unpunished.

At this critical juncture in the South Sudan’s peace process, RJMEC reiterates its calls to the Parties to the R-ARCSS to embrace inclusive dialogue, cease hostilities and restore full adherence to the R-ARCSS in letter and spirit and resume implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangments, unification and redeployment of all the forces in order to secure the countryside and disarmament of the population to avoid such opportunistic killings by unknown armed groups. 

RJMEC stands in solidarity with UNMISS and all personnel serving in support of peace in the Republic of South Sudan and calls on communities, national authorities and all actors to reject violence, embrace peace and cooperate in safeguarding those working to bring peace to the people of South Sudan.

ENDS