Five humanitarian workers killed in convoy ambush in South Sudan

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a news conference on Tuesday that five humanitarian workers were killed when a convoy operated by a local partner was ambushed on Monday in Duk County, Jonglei State. Four others were injured, and several civilians were reportedly killed or injured.

Dujarric said the UN joins its resident and humanitarian coordinator, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, in strongly condemning the attack. He added that UN colleagues reported the convoy was clearly marked as humanitarian. The spokesperson called for a prompt investigation, stating that attacks on humanitarian workers are unacceptable and violate international humanitarian law. He noted that since January, 29 humanitarian workers and contractors have been killed.

The John Dau Foundation (JDF), whose convoy was attacked, said in a Facebook statement that the convoy was traveling between Payuel Payam and Pajut in Panyang Payam, Duk County, and was transporting staff returning from a World Food Programme-supported training session. The foundation described the incident as the most grievous and sombre chapter in its history and called for prayers and support for the bereaved families.

Separately, Dujarric said the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) released a new report documenting more than 760 people killed between January and March, an 89 percent increase compared with the previous quarter. UNMISS also recorded a sharp rise in conflict-related sexual violence. The special representative of the secretary-general and head of the mission, Anita Kiki Gbeho, called on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.