Guterres demands probe into UN staff killing in Wau

JUBA — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on the government to ensure a swift and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice following the killing of a staff member attached to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in South Sudan’s Western Bahr El Ghazal State capital, Wau.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Guterres said Bol Rhoch Mayol Kuot, a South Sudanese national employed as a language assistant with UNMISS, was forcibly detained by security actors near Wau town on December 15, 2025, before being killed while in custody.

“The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the killing of a civilian staff member serving with UNMISS,” the statement said, adding that the killing of a UN employee constitutes a grave violation of international obligations. Guterres urged the Government of South Sudan to “spare no effort” in ensuring that those responsible for the crime are swiftly identified and held accountable.

The Secretary-General’s remarks followed an earlier statement by UNMISS confirming that Kuot had been detained by security actors for several days before his body was discovered. The mission said it had actively engaged relevant authorities throughout the period of detention in an effort to locate the staff member and secure his safe release.

“The United Nations Mission in South Sudan strongly condemns the killing of one of its staff in Wau,” UNMISS said, describing the incident as a “heinous act” that has shocked the mission and the wider UN community.

UNMISS expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to Kuot’s family, friends, and colleagues. The mission warned that the killing has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of United Nations personnel operating in South Sudan, particularly in areas where security forces exercise broad powers of arrest and detention.

Reacting to the incident, the Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS, Ms Anita Kiki Gbeho, said the mission was devastated by the loss of its colleague and underscored the need for accountability.

“Such killing of United Nations personnel is unacceptable,” Ms Gbeho said, calling on authorities to act swiftly to establish the circumstances surrounding Kuot’s arrest, detention, and death.

The incident adds to growing international concern over the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers in South Sudan, where UN agencies play a critical role in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and support to the country’s fragile peace process.