By William Madouk Garang
Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim in South Sudan appeals to authorities to bring the killers of three aid workers in Abyei Administrative Area and Duk County of Jonglei states to book.
On January 2nd 2023, armed men attacked Rumameer village in the Abyei and killed two aid workers and several civilians while many other people were injured during the attack.
According to humanitarian, the aid workers were shot and killed while on duty at a humanitarian facility in Rumameer village.
In a second incident on January 7, an aid worker was killed by unknown individuals while guarding humanitarian commodities in Duk County, Jonglei State – bringing the death toll to 3.
Humanitarian commodities were also looted during the incident.
The Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim in South Sudan, Mr. Peter van der Auweraert said he is shocked by the report on the killing of two aid workers and call on government to bring culprits to book.
“I want to express our condolences to the family and colleagues of the aid workers who were killed. Humanitarians are working tirelessly to serve the most vulnerable people, including women, children and the elderly with vital humanitarian assistance. Attacks against them are completely unacceptable and must stop,” Auweraert said.
“As the humanitarian community, we call on authorities to bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice,” he added.
According to the aid agency, People across South Sudan and the Abyei Area are experiencing critical needs – adding that efforts by humanitarian partners to respond to people’s needs are affected by increased violence against personnel and assets.
“In the opening days of this year, three South Sudanese aid workers who contributed to help others have paid the highest price – with their lives.
Mr. Auweraert reminded warring parties of their obligation under international Humanitarian Law to protect, respect civilians, the wounded, sick and captives.
He further called on authorities to restore order, protect civilians and aid workers with their assets.
South Sudan continues to be one of the most dangerous places for aid workers. Nine humanitarian workers have been killed while on duty in 2022, compared to five in 2021. Since the conflict began in 2013, 141 humanitarians, predominantly South Sudanese, have lost their lives while providing humanitarian assistance to people.