WFP worker killed in South Sudan’s Jonglei

December 20, 2021 (JUBA) – A World Food Programme (WFP) worker was killed on Sunday by gunmen who ambushed their convoy in the Tindiir area of Jonglei state.

The incident took place when five WFP vehicles left Duk Padiet Payam heading to Fangak when the assailants attacked the convoy killing one driver.

On Monday, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq confirmed the death of the aid worker.

“South Sudan acting Humanitarian Coordinator, Matthew Hollingworth, has strongly condemned yesterday’s killing of a World Food Programme (WFP) staff member following an armed attack on a UN convoy,” said Haq.

He added that the convoy was returning from delivering food to flood-affected people in Tindiir and Duk Padiet in Jonglei State.

Hollingworth urged South Sudanese authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and to protect humanitarian workers and assets across the country.

In 2020-21, Duk County of Jonglei state was affected by flooding. About 130,000 people are in need of assistance, according to the UN humanitarian agency.

Armed previously carried out similar attacks on aid workers making South Sudan one of the most challenging work environments for humanitarian workers.

Five aid workers were killed in 2021.