NNA News - The African Union (AU) has condemned a deadly armed attack on a United Nations convoy in South Sudan's Jonglei State that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven others.

In a statement issued Friday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf strongly condemned the attack, which was carried out by unidentified assailants against a joint patrol of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Youssouf paid tribute to the two Ethiopian peacekeepers who were killed and expressed condolences to their families, colleagues and the Ethiopian government. "The AU Commission chairperson extends his sincere condolences to the government of Ethiopia as well as to the families, colleagues, and friends of the peacekeepers who were killed or injured in this heinous attack," the statement said.

The AU chairperson called on South Sudanese authorities to urgently investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The attack highlights continuing security challenges facing South Sudan as the country works toward a peaceful political transition.

Youssouf reaffirmed the AU's commitment to supporting the government and people of South Sudan in efforts to achieve a credible democratic transition and sustainable peace. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan said it had deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support emergency response operations following the attack.

The AU said it would continue working with regional and international partners to support peace and stability in South Sudan.