The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Christina Markus Lassen (Denmark):

The members of the Security Council unequivocally condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and deliberate attack by armed individuals on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) force-protection convoy in Jonglei State. The attack killed two peacekeepers and injured seven others, including three Ethiopian peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two UNMISS civilian staff.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and relatives of the victims and extended their full support to the affected troop-contributing countries. They wished a swift and full recovery to those injured.

The members of the Security Council recalled resolution 2823 (2026). The members of the Security Council underscored that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and demanded a full, transparent and immediate investigation. They insisted that those responsible be identified and brought to justice without delay and warned that impunity for such attacks is unacceptable.

The members of the Security Council expressed deep alarm at the persistent intercommunal and armed violence in Jonglei State and its devastating toll on civilians, humanitarian workers and peacekeepers alike. They demanded that South Sudanese political and community leaders engage in efforts and take immediate and decisive action to end the violence and ensure the protection of all those working to advance peace and security in South Sudan.

The members of the Security Council noted the prompt activation of UNMISS' emergency response procedures, including the deployment of a Quick Reaction Force.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their unwavering support for UNMISS and its mandate to protect civilians and sustain the peace process in South Sudan. They emphasized that the Government of South Sudan must work with UNMISS, within its mandated capacity, to ensure the safety and security of its peacekeepers and to implement its mandate to protect civilians and to support the peace process in South Sudan.