CTSAMVM Urged to Identify Perpetrators of Deadly Ambush That Killed Two UN Peacekeepers

By Awan Achiek

The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has been called upon to investigate an ambush that resulted in the deaths of two Ethiopian peacekeepers and to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

On August 24, two Ethiopian U.N. peacekeepers were killed and seven others were injured in an ambush in Jonglei State.

The injured included three U.N. peacekeepers, two police officers, and two civilian staff members.

During the CTSAMVM Technical Committee Meeting in Juba on Thursday, Maj. Gen. Jany Kaway, a senior party representative of the SPLM-IO, urged the head of the ceasefire monitoring body to establish the facts surrounding the attack.

“We acknowledge the loss of life among peace monitors, particularly the Ethiopians who died as a result of the ambush,” Jany stated.

“We therefore urge the government to monitor and investigate the matter, and CTSAMVM should continue its activities until these culprits are identified and brought to book.”

Jany also called on the government to investigate the incident and for CTSAMVM to pursue its work until those responsible are identified and held accountable.

“We urge the leadership of South Sudan to uphold and continue dialogue, prioritizing discussions on the way forward to achieve permanent peace.”

Maj. Gen. Wuoi Mayom Deng, senior party representative of the ITGoUN, echoed similar calls for authorities to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“These soldiers came to our land with one purpose: to protect our people. Their blood was shed on South Sudanese soil in the service of South Sudan and Sudanese peace,” Mayom said.

He wished the wounded a full and speedy recovery, emphasizing that any attack on peacekeepers is an attack on peace itself.

“We convey our deepest condolences to the government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, to the bereaved families, and to the entire UNMISS family.”

He further urged CTSAMVM to collaborate with UNMISS and national authorities to establish the facts without delay.

“Those who planned and carried out this crime must be identified and brought to justice without exception. Mr. Chairman, this attack does not stand alone as the elections draw nearer.”