British aid worker shot dead in South Sudan

A British aid worker in war-torn South Sudan was shot dead late Tuesday in the capital Juba, the government said.

The Briton, who was working for the US aid organization The Carter Center, was killed by a gunman who followed him into his compound in Juba, according to presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny. “He was driving in his car, and when he arrived at his gate he got out of the car, then while walking he was shot,” he said.

Aid workers have been targeted multiple times in the 14-month long war, including gunmen shooting down a UN helicopter and peacekeepers killed. The country is awash with guns, and shots are often heard at night. International charities have warned of increased harassment, surveillance and threats of expulsion from the government.

In August 2014, gunmen murdered at least six South Sudanese staff members of international aid agencies. In October, gunmen also abducted two UN workers in separate incidents in the war-ravaged town of Malakal.

The Carter Center, set up by former US president Jimmy Carter, is working in South Sudan in several areas, including trying to eradicate guinea worm, a particularly painful water-borne parasite.

[AFP]

 

This entry was posted in Humanitarian Aid, International Cooperation by Grant Montgomery.