Kathmandu— An ambush on Monday killed two United Nations peacekeepers in South Sudan’s Jonglei state, as the country faces growing fears of sliding back into full-scale civil war. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that armed men attacked a patrol traveling toward Pajut, wounding three other peacekeepers along with two South Sudanese police officers and two civilian staff attached to the mission. The attack is considered rare given the frequency of violence against humanitarian workers in the country this year.

Escalating Violence Against Aid Workers

Numerous attacks on humanitarian workers have been recorded in South Sudan throughout 2024, with over 450 incidents reported between January and July – more than double the number for the same period last year. At least 36 aid workers and contractors have been killed this year, exceeding the 31 fatalities recorded across all of 2023. This surge in violence is occurring alongside escalating conflict between government troops and forces loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar.

Collapse of Power-Sharing Agreement

The current instability stems from the breakdown of a 2018 power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, who was suspended as vice president last year and now faces treason charges he claims are politically motivated. Fighting escalated in December when opposition forces seized government outposts in Jonglei state, prompting a response involving air strikes and ground assaults from the government.

UN Response and Condemnation

Following the ambush, UNMISS deployed a “Quick Reaction Force” to secure the area and provide emergency support. Anita Kiki Gbeho, head of the mission, condemned the attack, stating that “Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel, who are serving to support peace in South Sudan, is unacceptable.” The nationalities of the deceased peacekeepers have not yet been disclosed.

The United States continues to urge President Kiir and Riek Machar to engage in dialogue, emphasizing the need for urgent action to uphold the 2018 peace agreement and mitigate the risk of renewed civil war.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.