Security guard shot dead in South Sudan attack

JUBA – A security guard in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state was shot and killed when he was attacked by an unknown number of gunmen while protecting a school compound over the weekend.

Rama Hansraj, Save the Children Country Director in South Sudan said that the attack happened in the evening, children were not present at the school during the time.

Hansraj said that gunmen went on to steal property from the school including learning kits.

He said that the attack came after two Save the Children staff were killed earlier this year.

“We are mourning the loss of allies who was killed in the line of duty and condemn this senseless act of violence. Our sincere condolences are with his families, friends, and colleagues. Humanitarian workers and all the volunteers that make the work possible, put their lives on the line in the service of children and families in South Sudan, and this is no exception. Save the Children condemns the killing and calls for those responsible to be brought to justice.” He said.

Save the Children and its partners currently support 382 schools and learning spaces across South Sudan, providing education to 95,000 children.

“We were shocked to learn that this act of violence took place at a school. All children have the right to access a safe education and feel safe, and no child should fear physical harm at or on the way to school,” he said.

“We call on the government of South Sudan to take all necessary actions to bring the perpetrator to justice and to ensure schools are particularly safe. There needs to be a deterrent to those responsible for continuing attacks against civilians, including children, and to be held accountable under South Sudanese and applicable regional and international laws.” He added.

A total of 128 humanitarians, mostly South Sudanese, have lost their lives while providing humanitarian assistance to people since conflict broke out in 2013, according to OCHA.