Five humanitarian workers were killed when a clearly marked aid convoy operated by the John Dau Foundation was ambushed on Monday in Jonglei State, South Sudan. The convoy was transporting staff returning from an Action Against Hunger training exercise along the route between Payuel Payam and Pajut in Duk county. Four others were injured, and several civilians were also reportedly killed or wounded.

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Ramanathan Balakrishnan condemned the attack, stating, “They must never be a target,” and called for a prompt, impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described the attack as “unacceptable” and urged accountability.

This incident raises the number of humanitarian workers and contractors killed in South Sudan this year to 29, highlighting the increasing dangers faced by aid workers delivering lifesaving assistance. Additionally, a UN report revealed that more than 760 civilians were killed between January and March, marking an 89 percent increase from the previous quarter, alongside a sharp rise in conflict-related sexual violence.

Meanwhile, more than 1,400 confirmed cases of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus, including 350 deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. UNDP Resident Representative Damien Mama noted the severe economic impact, saying, “We are seeing the impact in real time: jobs are disappearing, markets are slowing down and families are being pushed to the edge.” According to UNDP, even if the outbreak is contained, the DRC could lose over $1 billion and 55,000 jobs.

Sources