The US Embassy in Juba has condemned the violent April 25 attack on humanitarian staff and assets in Jam Jang in South Sudan’s Unity State.
In a press statement, the US Embassy said criminals stormed the compound where humanitarian workers, including US government implementing partners, and their families were located.
"Staff were threatened, robbed, and beaten, sustaining serious injuries. Such acts of violence are unacceptable and must stop. We call on authorities at all levels to ensure accountability by arresting those responsible and to guarantee the safety and security of humanitarian workers who are committed to helping the people of South Sudan. We also call on all South Sudanese to condemn those individuals who carried out this attack," the statement reads in part.
It further said, "We acknowledge the critical need for better employment and economic opportunities across South Sudan, particularly for young people. However, violence and threats of violence against humanitarian workers – most of whom are South Sudanese – results in the delay and interruption of life-saving assistance to the country’s most vulnerable communities."
The US reiterated its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to the South Sudanese people and called on other donors and the South Sudanese government to work with the international community to support the humanitarian response in South Sudan.