The 60-year old local staff member was murdered while on his way from Gumuruk to Verteth in South Sudan. He worked as a security guard for ZOA. He leaves a wife and 5 children behind. Visser: “This tragic event has shocked us all deeply at ZOA. We stand next to his wife and children as they mourn the loss of a husband and father.” ZOA emphasizes that aid workers must be protected at all times and that any form of violence against them is unacceptable.
ZOA has been active in Sudan since 1992 – and in South Sudan since its independence in 2011. The country has faced famine, war and floods for decades. The many conflicts have resulted in a tragic humanitarian situation. Seven million people – 60 percent of the population – are currently dependent on humanitarian aid. The availability of food is the biggest problem. ZOA is committed to a comprehensive approach: food, clean drinking water, education, improved agricultural production, trauma therapy and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.