Map of Eastern Equatoria State. (Courtesy).

The Norwegian Embassy in Juba “strongly” condemns the attacks on a humanitarian convoy carrying in which seven peace delegates perished last week in Lafon of Eastern Equatoria State.

On April 29, 2023, a delegation mediating the inter-communal conflict between Locharok and Arilo communities descended in a deadly ambush in Dorok Payam.

Seven out of the eight travelers were reportedly killed and the survivor wounded.

According to Angelo Ayonyang, a member of the state parliament representing Lafon, the victims were all men aged between 35 to 65 years old.

They include James Lawrence, Palmine Amugo, Lumoda Ludyok, Lobere Adlino, Lino Adiza, Orobuk Marco, and Lolia James Rimo.

The grassroots mediation team comprising officials from the state Ministry of Peace-building and local leaders were travelling by vehicles of the Norwegian Church Aid, which supports the peace initiative.

According to the Norwegian Embassy, the deceased were aboard vehicles belonging to the Church Aid and Act Alliance Organization when they were ambushed.

“Norway strongly condemns the attack on clearly marked vehicles from Norwegian Church Aid and Act Alliance in South Sudan. Our thoughts are with families and friends of those who were tragically killed while on a mission of peace,” the embassy statement said.

The statement further stressed that the South Sudanese population suffers when aid workers are attacked.