PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Wednesday June 27, 2018, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

JMEC CONDEMNS KILLING OF UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPER IN SOUTH SUDAN

The Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), H.E. Festus Mogae, strongly condemns the 26th June attack against the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and humanitarian providers in Yei River State that resulted in the death of a Peacekeeper. The Chairperson of JMEC expresses his deepest condolences to UNMISS and to the family, friends and colleagues of the slain UN Peacekeeper from Bangladesh.

This is but the most recent example of several disturbing trends.  It is the third attack against UNMISS Peacekeepers since 3rd May 2018. Six humanitarian aid workers have lost their lives and 384 access incidents have been reported so far this year by the United Nations.

The Chairperson of JMEC calls upon the Government of South Sudan and the leadership of all warring parties to ensure that United Nations agencies and all humanitarian providers have unimpeded access and can operate safely and freely in the Republic of South Sudan.

Individuals who directly or indirectly engage in attacks against United Nations or humanitarian personnel are violating the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (August 2015) and Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (December 2017). 

The Chairperson of JMEC further calls upon the Government of South Sudan and all warring parties operating in the area of this latest killing to bring the perpetrators of this cowardly attack to justice.  

Violators must be identified and made to face the law.