Five humanitarian workers killed in convoy ambush in South Sudan's Jonglei State

The United Nations has said five humanitarian workers were killed when their convoy was ambushed in Duk County, in South Sudan's Jonglei State. Four other people were injured in the attack, and officials said several civilians were also reportedly killed or hurt. The convoy was described as clearly marked as humanitarian, and the incident has prompted calls for a prompt investigation.

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UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday that the convoy was operated by a local partner before it was attacked on Monday. He said the United Nations was deeply saddened by the killings and strongly condemned the assault. Dujarric added that the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, had also condemned the attack.

The John Dau Foundation, whose convoy was ambushed, said the staff were travelling between Payuel Payam and Pajut in Panyang Payam in Duk County after returning from a World Food Programme-supported training session. The organisation said the incident was its most grievous and sombre chapter, and called on partners and the wider community to support bereaved families and staff. The UN said attacks on humanitarian workers are unacceptable and violate international humanitarian law.

The killings come amid continuing insecurity in South Sudan, where aid operations often depend on local partners and road travel across remote areas. The UN said 29 humanitarian workers and contractors had been killed since January, underscoring the risks faced by relief staff in the country. The attack also raises concern for the movement of aid teams in Jonglei State, a region that has seen repeated violence and access challenges.

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Dujarric said the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, had recently reported more than 760 people killed between January and March, an 89% increase from the previous quarter. He also said the mission had recorded a sharp rise in conflict-related sexual violence. The UN special representative and head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, has called on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.

What remains unclear is who carried out the ambush and whether the civilians reported killed or injured were travelling with the convoy or were caught up in the attack. The UN has called for a prompt investigation, and further details are likely to depend on security and humanitarian access to the area. The incident is likely to intensify concern over the safety of aid workers and the ability of relief agencies to operate in Jonglei State.

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