UN convoy ambushed at Jonglei–Pibor border, peacekeepers return fire

JUBA – A United Nations peacekeeping convoy came under armed attack on Sunday along the volatile border between Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, underscoring the persistent insecurity in one of South Sudan’s most fragile regions.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) confirmed that the ambush targeted an engineering team travelling from Akobo to Pibor under military escort. According to the mission, the convoy was first halted at what it described as an “unauthorised roadblock” before gunmen opened fire.
Peacekeepers responded immediately.

In a statement, UNMISS said its forces returned fire only in self-defence, in line with their mandate and rules of engagement. No UN personnel were injured in the exchange, and the convoy proceeded without reported casualties.

The mission strongly condemned the attack, warning that assaults on peacekeepers are a serious violation of international law. Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS, described the incident as unacceptable and called for swift action from local authorities.

“Attacks against our peacekeepers are unacceptable,” Gbeho said, urging a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation to ensure accountability.

UNMISS further stressed that attacks directed at United Nations personnel may amount to a war crime under international law, signalling the gravity with which the organisation views the incident.

The identity of the assailants remains unknown. However, the ambush once again exposes the volatility of the Jonglei–Pibor corridor, an area frequently plagued by intercommunal violence, armed groups, and shifting security dynamics.

UN peacekeepers regularly patrol and escort humanitarian and technical teams across the region to support civilian protection, infrastructure rehabilitation, and stability efforts. Engineering units, in particular, play a critical role in maintaining access routes that enable humanitarian aid delivery to remote and conflict-affected communities.

Sunday’s attack highlights the operational risks facing peacekeepers as they carry out their mandate. It also raises renewed concerns about the proliferation of armed actors and illegal checkpoints in remote areas, where state authority remains weak.

While no injuries were reported, the incident serves as a stark reminder that the security situation in parts of Jonglei and Greater Pibor remains precarious—posing continued challenges to peacebuilding and humanitarian operations.