World News in Brief: Aid convoy attacked in South Sudan, Ebola threatens livelihoods, UN deplores death penalty

Published 30 June 2026 · india

The convoy, operated by the John Dau Foundation, was transporting humanitarian staff returning from an Action Against Hunger training exercise when it came under attack

The convoy, operated by the John Dau Foundation, was transporting humanitarian staff returning from an Action Against Hunger training exercise when it came under attack on Monday along the route between Payuel Payam and Pajut, in Duk county. Four others were injured, and several civilians were also reportedly killed or wounded. “Humanitarian workers dedicate their lives to saving others and reaching people in desperate need. They must never be a target,” said UN Humanitarian Coordinator Ramanathan Balakrishnan, who called for a prompt, impartial investigation and for those responsible to be brought to justice Growing dangers The killings bring the number of humanitarian workers and contractors killed in South Sudan this year to 29, underscoring the growing dangers facing them while delivering lifesaving assistance. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described the attack as “unacceptable” and called for a prompt investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable. The attack comes as the UN peacekeeping mission, UNMISS, warned of worsening violence across the country. More than 760 civilians were killed between January and March, an 89 per cent increase from the previous quarter, while conflict-related sexual violence also rose sharply, according to a report released by the UN Mission on Tuesday.

UNMISS chief Anita Kiki Gbeho urged all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. DR Congo: Ebola outbreak threatens over a million livelihoods The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could push nearly one million more people into poverty, threatening jobs, livelihoods and economic stability across the region, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) warned on Tuesday. The agency estimates the outbreak could put 300,000 jobs at risk and cost African economies up to $3.6 billion if the crisis spreads and broader regional shocks intensify. Tweet URL “We are seeing the impact in real time: jobs are disappearing, markets are slowing down and families are being pushed to the edge,” said UNDP Resident Representative Damien Mama. “When people lose income and access to basic goods, they face impossible choices. In some cases, survival pressures lead them to break quarantine or isolation measures, increasing the risk of transmission.” More than 1,400 confirmed cases of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus, including 350 deaths, have been reported in DRC and Uganda. More than 90 per cent of infections are concentrated in Ituri province, a key cross-border trading hub with Uganda. Beyond a health emergency The UN Spokesperson added that women are bearing a disproportionate share of the economic and health impacts while the crisis threatens to eliminate tens of thousands of jobs and disrupt education and healthcare services.