Save the Children condemns killing of its contractor in E. Equatoria

The children's charity, Save the Children, has condemned the killing of a school guard it had contracted on 20 June 2021 by unknown gunmen in Eastern Equatoria State.

In a statement to the press today, Save the Children said it is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of the school guard who was shot and killed instantly by an unknown number of gunmen while protecting a school compound after-hours. 

The gunmen stole property from the school including learning kits, the statement said.

“We are mourning the loss of a colleague 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 put their lives on the line in the service of children and families in South Sudan, and this is no exception. Save the Ccondemns condemns the killing of any humanitarian worker and calls for those responsible to be brought to justice," Rama Hansraj, Save the Children Country Director in South Sudan said.  

She further pointed out that it is unfortunate that such acts of violence can take place in schools where children should feel safe.

“We call on the government of South Sudan to take all necessary actions to protect humanitarian workers in the country and to ensure schools are particularly safe. There needs to be a deterrent to those responsible from continuing attacks against civilians, including children, and to be held accountable under South Sudanese and applicable regional and international laws," Hansraj appealed. 

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

Save the Children says two of its staff were killed early this year in South Sudan.

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