Three locally contracted workers of the United Nation’s World Food Programme were killed on Monday this week in the South Sudanese city of Wau.
In a press statement released on Friday, the World Food Programme (WFP) said that the three men – Daniel James, Ecsa Tearp and Ali Elario, all citizens of South Sudan were horribly killed as they tried to make their way to the UN agency’s warehouse, where they worked as porters.
Two of the victims died of machete wounds while the third person was shot.
“We are outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of our colleagues, who worked every day to help provide life-saving food to millions of their fellow countrymen,” said Joyce Luma, the WFP Country Director for South Sudan.
“Our sympathies and condolences are with their families. Their dedication will not be forgotten,” she added.
Wau was rocked by inter communal violence on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and it appears the killing of the 3 aid workers was not unique to the situation in the area.
WFP said it only received the information on the deaths on Friday morning from the company that employed the three men. The company is contracted by WFP to provide loading and unloading services at its Wau warehouse.
WFP Country Director appealed to the authorities to follow the matter and make sure justice is served.
“We call on the South Sudanese authorities to hold those responsible for this unspeakable violence accountable for their actions.”
The incident happened in less than 3 weeks when 6 workers of the national NGO were killed in the government controlled territory in Juba-Pibor road.