The Executive of South Sudan has expressed its repulsion at the death of two Ethiopian 'blue helmets' from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), who died in an attack carried out on Monday against a patrol in Jonglei state, in the north of the country. South Sudanese authorities have called for a "joint" investigation to clarify what happened, an event that has also been condemned by Ethiopia.
In a statement, the South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has shown its "deep concern" over the attack on the convoy, which was traveling from Bor to Pajut, and has emphasized that, "given the seriousness of the incident," a "joint and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible" is essential.
Juba has added that "those found responsible will be held accountable, in line with the law" and has conveyed its "deep condolences" to Ethiopia, while wishing that the seven injured in the incident, including several South Sudanese police officers, "have a swift and full recovery."
The Ministry has detailed that the convoy was made up of 38 people, "including Ethiopian peacekeeping forces, civilian and military personnel from UNMISS, and four police officers from South Sudan," and has highlighted the work of the UN mission, reiterating its willingness to "continue working closely" with it.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of Ethiopia in South Sudan has paid tribute to the two 'blue helmets' "fallen in combat" in Jonglei and has "strongly" condemned the attack, reminding that these peace forces "are in service of peace and stability in South Sudan."
"Once again, we express our deep concern over the ongoing conflict in South Sudan. We take this opportunity to urge the competent authorities to conduct an immediate investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable," concluded the Ethiopian diplomatic mission in a statement released on social media.