The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has strongly condemned an ambush by unidentified armed men on one of its peacekeeping convoys along the border between Jonglei state and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.

The incident occurred on Sunday as an engineering contingent, escorted by military peacekeepers, was travelling from Akobo in Jonglei to Pibor in the Greater Pibor area.

The convoy was halted at an unauthorized roadblock and subsequently came under fire.

Peacekeepers returned fire in self-defense, consistent with their mandate and rules of engagement.

No UN personnel were injured in the attack.

“Attacks against our peacekeepers are unacceptable,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, the mission’s officer-in-charge.

She called on the relevant authorities to conduct a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation and to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The mission reiterated that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime under international humanitarian law.

No group has claimed responsibility for the ambush at the time of publication.

The attack comes amid a volatile security environment in South Sudan, marked by escalating armed conflict in several regions, a stalled political transition, repeated violations of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Observers and UN officials have repeatedly warned that continued violence and lack of progress toward elections risk tipping the country back into full-scale civil war.

UNMISS continues to support the protection of civilians, facilitation of humanitarian access, and implementation of the peace process while urging all parties to respect international law and cease hostilities.