JUBA — The Network for Civil Society Organizations (NeCSOs) in Western Equatoria State of South Sudan, has expressed concern over the barbaric attack on Rural Development Action Aid (RDAA) humanitarian workers.
RDAA, a national non-governmental organization, on Tuesday came under armed attack at Nambara Bridge on Tambura Road, just after Yangiri Payam in Ezo County, Western Equatoria State .
The attack resulted in the deaths of Mr. Muchuzi Johnson, a Ugandan national driver working for Fast Transporters Company Ltd., and Mr. Daiman William Mburo, a local community member.
The incident displaced 19 other humanitarian workers and involved the burning of an aid truck by the assailants.
This attack occurred while RDAA was constructing Nambara Bridge as part of the UNMISS-aided 2024/2025 quick impact projects in the state.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, Mr. Michael Dakpari Peter, a representative of the Network for Civil Society Organizations, urged the government to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and agencies in Western Equatoria State and South Sudan as a whole.
Michael called for protection of aid workers in accordance with Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which charged all parties to an armed conflict with responsibility to protect individuals not participating in the conflict.
Meanwhile, the County Commissioner of Ezo, Abel Sudan, condemned the attack by the armed assailants on humanitarian workers.
Sudan ordered the deployment of the forces to the area to pursue the attackers.
“This barbaric act against innocent people must stop. Those in the bush should come out and cease the killing, kidnapping, and looting of people’s properties. They should focus on farming instead,” Hon. Sudan said.
Sudan added that the Nambara Bridge, where the armed attack occurred, connects Yambio, Tambura, and Wau, and that efforts are underway to track down the armed assailants.
The attack on aid workers at Nambara Bridge could be classified as an act of terrorism under the context of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1566 (2004).
