South Sudan: Unknown assailants kill aid worker in Namorunyang State May 12

Event

Unknown assailants killed an aid worker during an attack on a humanitarian vehicle May 12. The incident occurred as a team traveled from Chukudum to Kapoeta in Budi County. It is currently unclear what agency the victim was affiliated with, or if the victim was a local or foreign national; however, the UN has denounced the incident. Several attacks and ambushes have been reported in the incident area in recent years. The motive for the attack is unknown.

Context

South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous countries for aid workers despite the UN and other aid organizations' calls for unimpeded humanitarian access in the country. South Sudan recorded eight incidents and nine aid workers killed in 2020; armed groups have killed at least 122 humanitarian personnel since 2013. Most of the victims are South Sudanese nationals.