Two UN peacekeepers killed in Malakal base shooting

JUBA — At least two peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were killed in a shooting at the Malakal base in Upper Nile State on Wednesday, according to UNMISS spokesperson Priyanka Chowdhury.

The shooting involving a military U.N. peacekeeper took place inside the Malakal base in Upper Nile State on Tuesday.

The incident occurred after Cambodian U.N. peacekeepers had a disagreement among themselves, leading one to shoot and kill a female team leader before turning the weapon on himself.

“UNMISS confirms that a shooting incident involving a military peacekeeper took place yesterday (Tuesday) within its base in Malakal, Upper Nile State, which resulted in the deaths of two personnel,” Chowdhury told in a statement on Wednesday.

She disclosed that the mission has launched an investigation into what triggered the killing.

“We express our deep regret and condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased.”

Efforts to reach the Upper Nile government for comment are not fruitful.

UNMISS was initially established for one year on July 9, 2011, under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1996, with provisions for renewal as needed.

Since then, the mission has been repeatedly extended, with the Security Council citing ongoing threats to international peace and security in South Sudan.

sudanspost.com