# Conflict and instability in Sudan and South Sudan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/conflict-and-instability-in-sudan-and-south-sudan
> Updated: 2026-08-24T14:45:35.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

Conflict in Sudan has intensified across multiple fronts, with the Sudanese army expanding its presence in North Kordofan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seizing control of Kurmuk and Geisan in Blue Nile State. The RSF has gained near-total control over the Sudan-Ethiopia border.

In South Sudan, the security situation has deteriorated following an ambush on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol in Jonglei State on Monday, August 24, 2026. The attack, which occurred while the patrol was traveling toward Pajut, was carried out by unidentified armed individuals. The incident resulted in the deaths of two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injuries to seven others, including three peacekeepers, two members of the South Sudan National Police Service, and two civilian staff members.

UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho condemned the violence, stating that deliberate attacks on personnel are unacceptable and noting that such actions may constitute war crimes under international law. In response to the ambush, UNMISS has deployed a Quick Reaction Force to the area to secure the scene and assist with emergency responses.

India has also strongly condemned the incident, paying tribute to the deceased Ethiopian peacekeepers and calling for an immediate, thorough investigation. The Indian Mission to the UN has urged all parties to ensure the safety of UN personnel and called for accountability in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2589.

## Claims

- The two deceased peacekeepers were of Ethiopian nationality. (disputed by 5 sources)
- One of the deceased peacekeepers was an Ethiopian national. (disputed by 4 sources)
- The seven injured individuals included three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service members, and two civilian staff. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in Jonglei State. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The ambush occurred during a patrol moving toward Pajut. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- India strongly condemned the attack and called for an immediate and thorough investigation. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- India urged adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2589 regarding accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the attack. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: UN Peacekeepers killed in South Sudan ambush

Two Ethiopian UN peacekeepers were killed and seven others injured in an ambush on a UNMISS patrol in South Sudan's Jonglei State. The UN and India have called for an immediate investigation into the attack.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-peacekeepers-killed-in-south-sudan-ambush

### 2026-08-23: Sudan and South Sudan face escalating violence and UN casualties

Fighting has escalated in Sudan with territorial shifts in Kordofan and Blue Nile, while two UN peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in South Sudan's Jonglei State.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sudan-and-south-sudan-face-escalating-violence-and-un-casualties

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Cite as: Conflict and instability in Sudan and South Sudan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/conflict-and-instability-in-sudan-and-south-sudan