South Sudan Humanitarian Coordinator condemns attack against civilians, aid workers in Duk County

(Juba, 29 November 2017): The Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Alain Noudéhou, has strongly condemned the attack that took place on 28 November in Duk Payuel village, Duk County, which resulted in at least 45 people killed, including six people working with two NGOs. Reports indicate that another 19 people were injured, including three aid workers.

“It is outrageous that civilians and humanitarians providing assistance continue to be targeted,” said Mr. Noudéhou. “I call on all armed elements to respect civilians and aid workers, wherever they are in the country.”

During the attack, houses were burnt, and civilian properties looted and destroyed. There are reports of civilians displaced to the neighbouring villages due to the intercommunal fighting, and some children were allegedly abducted by the attackers.

The staff killed included health workers and a driver who was delivering material for the hospital. The three critically injured staff members have been evacuated to Juba for further treatment. “At a time when humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels, it is unacceptable that those who are trying to help are being attacked and killed,” said the Humanitarian Coordinator. “For us to continue to provide life-saving relief to the civilians’ suffering, the safety and security of aid workers must be respected, perpetrators must be held to account and senseless cycles of violence must stop.”

“I send my deepest and sincerest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those impacted by this terrible attack,” he added.

This attack brings to 92 the number of aid workers killed in South Sudan since the beginning of the December 2013 crisis, including at least 25 killed in 2017.

For further information, please contact:
Frank Nyakairu, nyakairu@un.org/+211 922 4060 12
Guiomar Pau Sole, pausole@un.org / +211 920100411
OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org/south-sudan or www.reliefweb.int.