It is with great sadness that Norwegian People's Aid reports that Omote Okwier Okoth, employed at the NPA’s base in Pochalla, East in Southern Sudan, was shot and killed when he was caught in crossfire during food distribution today.
The inciden happened when a group of young men arrived to the area yesterday in connection with the distribution of food. The group wanted to take over the food and during the dispute shots were fired. Says Per Helge Persen, Country Director for Norwegian People's Aid in South Sudan.
– Police arrived to the scene along with military forces from the SPLA and took control of the area. SPLA and the police are still in place and our employees on site now feel safe, according to Persen.
Norwegian People's Aid has two projects in the area, located near the border with Ethiopia: Food distribution (supported by the World Food Programme) and rural development (supported by NORAD).
Norwegian People's Aid is now concerned about the safety of our employees and supporting the Okoth family in grief. NPA’s ambition is to continue the important work in the area where the need for support is precarious.
For more information: Country Director Per Helge Persen, phone +211 (0) 954 111 771 or head of the NPA's International Programme Department Kathrine Raadim, +47 91131844.