On May 22, 2025, the Network for Civil Society Organizations (NeCSOs) in Western Equatoria State, South Sudan, issued a strong and urgent communique condemning the brutal attack on humanitarian personnel working for Rural Development Action Aid (RDAA). The attack, which occurred on May 20th at Nambara Bridge in Ezo County, represents a grievous violation of international humanitarian laws and underscores alarming threats to aid workers in the region.
According to the communique, the incident took place immediately after Yangiri Payam on Tambura Road, when armed assailants launched a surprise attack on RDAA personnel engaged in constructing the Nambara Bridge, a key infrastructure project supported by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The assault resulted in the tragic death of Mr. Muchunguzi Johnson, a Ugandan national and driver for Fast Transporters Co. Ltd., and Mr. Daiman William Mburo, a local community member. The violence compelled the displacement of 19 other aid workers, and their aid truck was set ablaze, demonstrating the attack’s brutality and cruelty.
NeCSOs expressed deep concern over the rising dangers faced by humanitarian workers in Western Equatoria, emphasizing that these personnel are protected persons under international law. They invoked the principles enshrined in the 1949 Geneva Conventions, particularly Common Article 3, which obligates all parties to armed conflict to safeguard civilians and non-combatants, especially humanitarian workers. The communiqué pointed out that violence against aid personnel, their assets, and infrastructure not only breaches these legal protections but also constitutes a war crime under the Rome Statute. The potential classification of such acts as terrorism, per UN Security Council Resolution 1566 (2004), was also highlighted, raising the stakes and international implications of these acts.
NeCSOs called upon the Western Equatoria State authorities to conduct a swift, in-depth investigation to identify and arrest those responsible. Ensuring accountability was paramount to prevent future attacks and uphold the rule of law. Furthermore, NeCSOs urged all stakeholders to guarantee unrestricted access and adequate security for humanitarian agencies operating in the region. The protection of humanitarian workers is critical for ongoing relief efforts and sustainable development projects, especially those supported by international partners like UNMISS.
This attack underscores the volatile security situation in Western Equatoria State and the broader risks faced by humanitarian workers during ongoing conflicts. NeCSOs’s declaration reflects their commitment to advocating for the safety of aid workers and the importance of upholding legal protections in conflict zones. It is a call to both local authorities and the international community to intensify efforts to secure humanitarian operations and prevent such tragic incidents from recurring.
The communique concludes with a call for justice and security, emphasizing that the perpetrators must be brought to justice and that humanitarian actors must be able to carry out their lifesaving work without fear of violence. The document was circulated to key government officials, international partners, media outlets, and legal authorities, ensuring that the message against violence in humanitarian operations resonates across all levels of governance and civil society.