JUBA – Five humanitarian workers were killed, and four others wounded after an aid convoy operated by the John Dau Foundation (JDF) came under attack in Duk County of South Sudan’s Jonglei State, the United Nations’ top humanitarian official in South Sudan said on Tuesday.
In a statement obtained by Sudans Post, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Ramanathan Balakrishnan condemned what he described as a “deliberate and brutal attack” on the convoy, which was transporting humanitarian staff returning from an Action Against Hunger (ACF) training on Monday.
According to the statement, the convoy was ambushed on the road between Payuel Payam and Pajut in Panyang Payam. Five aid workers were killed, while three JDF staff members and a driver sustained serious injuries. The UN also said it had received reports that civilians were killed and injured during the violence.
“The convoy, transporting humanitarian staff returning from an Action Against Hunger (ACF) training, was ambushed along the route between Payuel Payam and Pajut in Panyang Payam,” Balakrishnan said, adding that the attack targeted personnel involved in delivering lifesaving assistance through a partnership between the World Food Programme (WFP), ACF and the John Dau Foundation.
Balakrishnan extended condolences to the families of those killed, the John Dau Foundation and the wider humanitarian community, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
He stressed that humanitarian workers “must never be a target,” saying attacks against aid personnel and clearly marked humanitarian assets violate international humanitarian law and undermine humanitarian operations.
The humanitarian coordinator warned that the latest killings bring the number of humanitarian workers and contractors killed in South Sudan since January to 29, describing the trend as evidence of the increasingly dangerous conditions under which aid agencies operate.
Balakrishnan called on the relevant authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the ambush and ensure those responsible are held accountable. He also urged all parties to respect and protect humanitarian workers, civilians and humanitarian assets in line with international humanitarian law.
He said the attack would further deprive vulnerable communities of critical assistance but reaffirmed that humanitarian organisations remain committed to delivering lifesaving aid across South Sudan despite the mounting security risks.
