A Kenyan national working for WFP shot dead in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state
A Kenyan aid worker employed by the World Food Programme (WFP) was fatally shot early Tuesday in Nasir County, located in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state, according to local officials.
Nasir County Commissioner Changkuoth Ruon Jal said the victim, identified as Howard Kaguyira, had been coordinating food airdrop activities in the area. Kaguyira and his team had arrived in Ngueny village a day earlier to oversee an aerial food distribution operation when he was attacked at around 5 a.m.
Authorities transported his body to Bor later that morning. Commissioner Jal condemned the killing and confirmed that an investigation has been launched. He said there had been no known prior dispute between the victim and the suspected gunman. However, preliminary information suggests the suspect may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the shooting.
The alleged attacker, named as Changkuoth Jok Duop, fled the scene and remains at large. Security forces have initiated a search operation. Officials have detained the suspect’s wife and brother as part of the inquiry.
Changkuoth Wiyual, acting director of the local Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, described the incident as a devastating setback for communities dependent on humanitarian assistance coordinated by the WFP. He emphasized the need to safeguard aid personnel while ensuring continued support for vulnerable residents.
A spokesperson for the WFP, Tomson Phiri, said he was unable to immediately comment on the matter.
The United Nations has consistently ranked South Sudan among the most hazardous environments for humanitarian staff. The country has witnessed a resurgence of violence in recent months involving government troops and fighters aligned with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition.
According to the UN, approximately 280,000 people have been displaced since late December due to clashes and aerial bombardments, with more than 235,000 of those uprooted in Jonglei state. Aid delivery has been hampered by insecurity, including assaults and looting, while both sides in the conflict have at times restricted humanitarian access to certain areas.
Earlier this month, the WFP temporarily halted operations in Baliet County in Upper Nile state after multiple attacks targeted a humanitarian convoy.
