S. Sudan authorities investigate killing of British national

February 17, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese authorities have launched investigations into Tuesday’s killing of British national by an unknown gunman in the capital, Juba.

The deceased was a consultant for the Atlanta-based The Carter Center.

“With sadness, The Carter Center confirms the shooting death of a British security consultant at our Juba, South Sudan, office compound on Feb. 17, 2015,” the center, founded by former US leader, Jimmy Carter, said in a statement to Sudan Tribune.

“Carter Center founders, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and his wife, Rosalynn, as well as the staff of The Carter Center, extend their deep condolences to the friends and family of the consultant, who worked closely as part of our team,” it further added.

Investigations into the death are reportedly being handled by appropriate authorities.

Edmund Yakani from Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) said the incident was “unacceptable” and violates international humanitarian law.

“The recent increase in targeting humanitarian society by robbing their vehicles by always armed men is absolutely an indicator of threat towards the humanitarian work including increase is creation of road blocks that resulted to harassment and intimidation of humanitarian aid workers,” activist Yakani said in a statement.

“These acts should be stopped and the perpetrators should be identified and held accountability by the government,” he stressed.

Last year, at least six South Sudanese humanitarian workers were murdered in what was described as an ethnically-organised assault.

Fighting has continued between South Sudan’s warring parties, despite a ceasefire deal agreed upon by both rival factions. Thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced since violence broke out in the country’s capital over a year ago.

(ST)