South Sudan Humanitarian Bulletin Issue 18 | 8 December 2017

HIGHLIGHTS

• More than 45 people were reportedly killed, including six aid workers, in an attack by armed men in Duk County, Jonglei.

• Continued reports of armed clashes in multiple locations of the country in the past weeks, affecting thousands of people.

• Women and girls are experiencing unprecedented levels of violence in South Sudan’s conflict.

• The humanitarian response in the Greater Baggari area, Wau County continues, despite challenges.

• South Sudan’s conflict has left a large number of people with disabilities.

Six aid workers killed in Jonglei’s Duk County

More than 45 people were reportedly killed, including six aid workers working with two NGOs, during an attack by armed men in Duk Payuel village, Duk County (Jonglei). Reports indicate that another 19 people were injured, including three aid workers. During the attack, houses were burned, and civilian properties looted and destroyed. Nearly 2.4 metric tons of humanitarian food items were looted and a warehouse was vandalized. There are reports of thousands of civilians displaced to the neighbouring village of Poktap. About 55 children and women were reportedly abducted by the attackers and more than 1,300 cattle raided. The attack also displaced over 2,000 people from Duk Payuel to Poktap, according to findings of a rapid assessment mission.

An NGO has temporarily suspended food security and livelihoods activities in the area to reassess the security situation before they resume operations. The only hospital in the area has also been closed due to the severe impact of the attack on the health workers in the facility. Partners undertook an inter-agency mission on Monday 4 December to assess the situation in Duk Payuel and Poktap, to determine how best to respond to the immediate needs of the affected people.

The Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Alain Noudéhou, strongly condemned the attack in a press statement. “It is outrageous that civilians and humanitarians providing assistance continue to be targeted,” said Mr. Noudéhou. “I call on all armed elements to respect civilians and aid workers, wherever they are in the country.”