An NGO convoy was ambushed by an armed group in Central Equatoria State on Monday, while on its way to provide medical services at a refugee camp in Lasu, a UN agency said Tuesday.

 In a statement on Tuesday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the convoy, consisting of an ambulance and a passenger vehicle, was attacked in Abegi on the Yei-Lasu road, around 16km from Yei.

It revealed that the NGO, a UNHCR partner, were on their way to the Lasu settlement hosting refugees from DRC and Sudan to provide health, nutrition and hygiene services. The two vehicles, a van and an ambulance were carrying 15 passengers, 11 staff and 4 patients, at the time of the attack.

Dr. Olushayo Olu, the interim humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, strongly condemned the attack on an NGO convoy in Yei County, and called for immediate action by authorities, stating that protecting humanitarian personnel in the country is a duty for all.

“This is unacceptable. I strongly condemn the unprovoked ambush on a convoy with both vehicles clearly marked by the NGO logo on the van and a visible red cross on the ambulance. Those responsible should be brought to justice. Shockingly, the ambulance was carrying patients at the time of the ambush. I call upon the Government and all parties to step up efforts to protect humanitarians who are trying their best to deliver aid to refugees who are in need during these uncertain times. Armed violence should be curbed in South Sudan so that we can all come together to fight against growing hunger, flooding and the threat of COVID-19,” said Dr. Olu.

The UN humanitarian agency said the driver of the first vehicle was shot and injured yet managed to keep driving and escape. It added that the second vehicle, an ambulance, was forced to stop and the passengers fled into a nearby bush and that all the passengers of the convoy were later accounted for.

The agency said the ambulance was looted of medical and nutritional supplies by the armed group.

The humanitarian agency pointed out that the Yei-Lasu road witnesses intermittent ambushes on civilian vehicles, however, the ambush is the first on an aid convoy in South Sudan since 2018.

 “This week, I will travel with the Government, donors, UN and NGO partners to Bor and Pibor, to see first-hand the effects of multiple crises on the people of South Sudan. I will also use the opportunity to show solidarity with the affected people and the NGOs working on the frontline to provide life-saving assistance. I will advocate strongly for better protection and more funding during the mission. Attacks on NGOs should not be tolerated.” Dr. Olu concluded.