John Dau Foundation truck carrying aid assistance
Wednesday, 1 July 2026 | Author: Andrew Michael | File Photo | GT-News |
Western embassies and the European Union on Tuesday condemned the deadly ambush on a humanitarian convoy in South Sudan’s Jonglei State that killed five aid workers, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.
The embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with the Delegation of the European Union, said they were “deeply saddened” by the attack on humanitarian workers employed by the John Dau Foundation (JDF) in Duk County.
“We express our condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those killed. Those responsible for this attack must be held accountable,” the joint statement said.
The convoy, operated by the John Dau Foundation, was ambushed on Monday while transporting humanitarian staff returning from an Action Against Hunger (ACF) training session along the road between Payuel Payam and Pajut in Duk County.
Five humanitarian workers were killed, while three JDF staff members and a driver were seriously injured. Civilians were also reportedly killed and wounded.
Earlier, the United Nations’ Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan strongly condemned what he described as a “deliberate and brutal attack” on a clearly marked humanitarian convoy and called for a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation.
The UN said 24 humanitarian workers and contractors had already been killed in South Sudan since January before the latest attack, bringing the total number of aid workers killed this year to 29.
The diplomatic missions reiterated that all parties to the conflict must respect and protect humanitarian personnel and assets, stressing that humanitarian workers must never be targeted.
The attack is among the deadliest involving aid workers in South Sudan in recent years and has renewed concerns over the safety of humanitarian operations in a country where millions depend on emergency assistance.
