The United Nations expressed deep sorrow over the killing of five humanitarian workers whose convoy was ambushed on Monday in Duk County, Jonglei State, South Sudan. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reported that the convoy, operated by a local partner, was clearly marked as humanitarian.
The John Dau Foundation (JDF), whose convoy was attacked, stated that the convoy was traveling between Payuel Payam and Pajut in Panyang Payam, transporting staff returning from a World Food Programme-supported training session.
In addition to the five fatalities, four others were injured, and several civilians were reportedly killed or injured in the attack.
UN resident and humanitarian coordinator Ramanathan Balakrishnan strongly condemned the attack. The UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) recently released a report documenting over 760 deaths between January and March, marking an 89 percent increase compared to the previous quarter.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, the special representative of the UN secretary-general and head of the mission, urged all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
The UN has called for a thorough investigation into the ambush amid escalating violence in Jonglei State.
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