JUBA – A coalition of foreign embassies has sharply criticised the government of South Sudan following the recent killing of a World Food Programme (WFP) contractor in Ngueny of Nasir County in Upper Nile State, urging immediate action to halt escalating violence and protect aid personnel.
On the morning of February 16, a WFP private contractor serving as a Drop Zone Coordinator was murdered, marking the latest incident in a series of attacks that have drawn international concern.
The embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside the Delegation of the European Union, issued a joint statement condemning the recent killings and warning that continued insecurity is endangering life-saving operations.
According to the statement, the incident followed the killing of a staff member who worked for a national organisation implementing UNICEF-supported projects on February 7 in Baliet County in Upper Nile State, before an IMA World Health nurse was shot dead at his home in Wunbiem, Ayod County, Jonglei State on February 13, 2026.
“These heinous attacks on humanitarian workers are unacceptable, as are the high risks faced by those seeking to help the South Sudanese people,” the embassies said.
The diplomatic missions called on the Transitional Government of National Unity to take immediate steps to end the escalating conflict, prevent further targeting of humanitarian staff, and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.
They renewed their appeal for the government to prioritise peace and create a secure environment for aid organisations delivering food, healthcare, and other essential services to vulnerable communities.
“We renew our call for the transitional government to prioritise peace and take urgent steps to prevent further escalation of violence,” the statement added, expressing condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims.
The statement underscores growing international frustration as insecurity continues to threaten humanitarian access in parts of the country.
