A group of Western embassies and the European Union on Wednesday condemned the killing of humanitarian workers in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.
At least 17 people, including aid workers, were killed and nine others injured after a humanitarian convoy was ambushed in Duk County on Monday, according to local officials and the aid organization involved.
The convoy, operated by the John Dau Foundation (JDF), was returning from a joint training organized by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Action Against Hunger when it came under attack at about 2 p.m. on the road between Payuel Payam and Pajut in Panyang Payam.
In a joint statement, the embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with the European Union Delegation, condemned the June 29 attack and expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those killed.
“Those responsible for this attack must be held accountable,” the statement said.
The diplomatic missions urged all parties to respect and protect humanitarian personnel and assets, stressing that aid workers must never be targeted.
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