UN chief condemns killing of its aid worker in South Sudan  

March 6, 2024 (JUBA) – The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has strongly condemned the killing of a staff member in Ruweng, an administrative area close to the border with Warrap state and Abyei.

The incident, UNMISS said in a statement on Tuesday, occurred in Abiemnhom.

Charles Kiir Gone, a heavy vehicle operator, was reportedly killed by armed men.

The deceased was serving with the peacekeeping mission in Wau, one of its field offices in South Sudan. He was visiting his family when the house in which he was staying with relatives came under attack by armed men in Abiemnhom. The house had cows and the attackers made away with them and other valuables.

Multiple eyewitnesses and local authorities said the unidentified attackers drove the stolen cows in the direction of Mayom county in Unity State.

The identity of the armed group was, however, not immediately established.

“We are shocked and saddened by the killing of our colleague and offer our sincere sympathy to his loved ones for their tragic loss. This incident illustrates the real and ongoing threat to the lives of UN peacekeepers supporting South Sudan on its journey towards peace as well as members of the communities we serve,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.

UNMISS expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues and urged local and State authorities to immediately investigate the incident.

According to UN, the area where the incident occurred straddles Abyei, Unity and Warrap states and it is where recurring clashes over territorial claims, cattle theft and revenge killings inspired by communal disputes have been a challenge.

Abiemnhom, until the creation of the Ruweng Administrative Area was part of the oil-rich Unity state and is geographically close to Mayom County in Unity State.

(ST)