By Deng Ghai Deng
A group of humanitarian workers narrowly escaped a targeted attack allegedly carried out by soldiers of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
The incident occurred in Ulang County, Upper Nile State on Monday leaving the local community and international observers deeply concerned about the safety of aid workers in the area.
According to Duon Kun Thian, Nasir County Commissioner, the attack occurred as six GOAL International staff members were travelling by boat along the Tharjooc River. Fortunately, he said, all staff members managed to escape unharmed, but the incident has highlighted significant security risks faced by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in the area.
“One of the boats belonging to an organization was attacked at Tharjooc River Site by the elements from SSPDF on Monday. The attack was carried out by SSPDF. No injuries or death occurred,” Duon said.
In a separate incident just an hour before the attack, a shooting near the former Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in High Pur resulted in one fatality.
Commissioner Duon expressed grave concerns over these incidents, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to protect humanitarian workers who are crucial in providing essential services to vulnerable populations.
“This incident is being condemned by the authority because there is no need for the SSPDF to attack humanitarian workers whether they are local or international NGOs. Humanitarians should be left alone to deliver services to the affected communities,” Duon added.
In response to these attacks, Commissioner Duon issued a precautionary advisory urging all NGOs to suspend movement between Nasir and Ulang Counties until the security situation stabilizes.
However, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the SSPDF, denied the accusations against the national army.
Gen. Lul attributed the violence to a communal feud between communities in Ulang and Nasir Counties, suggesting that the attacks were acts of revenge rather than targeted at humanitarian workers.
“The primary suspects were initially thought to be from the SSPDF but after further investigation was conducted by local authority it was discovered that he who was killed in Nasir was killed in a revenge attack by some individuals from Ulang County,” Lul said.
The incidents underscore the fragile security environment in parts of South Sudan and the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations striving to assist vulnerable populations amidst ongoing conflicts.