Ambush on Vital Aid Lifeline
On Tuesday morning, armed assailants waylaid a convoy of humanitarian vehicles on the Torit-Magwi road in Eastern Equatoria, local authorities confirmed.
The attackers stopped a car operated by Caritas Torit, seizing phones, cash and laptops before turning their weapons on following vehicles, including one owned by Save the Children, Torit County Commissioner Christopher Andrew reported.
Victims Speak and Denials Issued
Andrew said ten gunmen, “believed to hail from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area,” blocked the route between 11 a.m. and noon. However, Greater Pibor spokesperson Jacob Werchum Juk rejected the allegation, insisting no Murle youth crossed into Eastern Equatoria.
“We are not part of that incident,” Juk told journalists, urging leaders to resolve the dispute calmly.
Security Measures Intensify
County forces arrived after the assailants escaped, yet patrols have now been reinforced on the Torit-Magwi and Torit-Juba corridors, Andrew assured.
He noted the roadway is “currently calm” and traffic has resumed, but checkpoints will remain until authorities complete their investigation.
Civil Society Demands Accountability
Support Peace Initiative for Development activist Lazarious Savior condemned the attack, warning that such ambushes “undermine service delivery to communities in need” and calling for state and national governments to pursue the culprits.
Savior appealed for “full protection” of relief staff, stressing that every delay threatens vulnerable families relying on food, health and education support.
Aid Work Risks Remain High
South Sudan retains its grim ranking among the most dangerous environments for humanitarians. More than thirty aid workers have been abducted nationwide this year, double last year’s total, according to consolidated humanitarian security reports.
Observers warn that persistent insecurity could deter donors and disrupt life-saving programs unless coordinated deterrence and accountability measures gain traction.