Carmelite Sisters Ambushed Torit Juba Road: Sr Helen Injured, Children Abducted

• Two Carmelite religious sisters, Sr Helen and Sr Ansa, were ambushed on the Torit-Juba road on Sunday, August 30.
• During the attack, Sr. Helen was injured by a gun barrel, and all passengers were robbed of their belongings.
• Preliminary reports also indicate that two children were abducted during the roadside incident.
• Bishop Emmanuel Bernardino Lowi Napeta arranged assistance, and Sr. Helen is en route to Juba for medical care.
• This incident follows another deadly ambush on the same road on August 16, 2021, which killed two other religious sisters.

The repeated targeting of travelers, including religious figures and vulnerable individuals like children, on the Torit-Juba road serves as a stark reminder of the severe security risks prevalent in South Sudan.

On Sunday, August 30, two Carmelite religious sisters, identified as Sr Helen and Sr Ansa, became victims of a violent roadside ambush while traveling from Torit to Juba. The incident occurred after they had attended morning Mass, with their vehicle targeted along the route. During the attack, one of the assailants struck Sr. Helen on the head with the barrel of a gun, causing an injury. All passengers, including the sisters, were stripped of their personal belongings.

Disturbingly, preliminary reports also indicated that two children were abducted during the same event. Upon learning of the attack, Bishop Emmanuel Bernardino Lowi Napeta promptly arranged for assistance to be dispatched from Juba. The sisters are currently making their way to Juba, where Sr. Helen is expected to receive necessary medical attention for her injuries. Details of the attack were reported by Radio Emmanuel 89.

This recent attack on the Carmelite sisters tragically highlights an ongoing pattern of insecurity along the Torit-Juba road. Just over two years prior, on August 16, 2021, the same stretch of highway was the scene of another deadly assault involving religious personnel. In that incident, two sisters from the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, former Superior General Sr Mary Daniel Abut and Sr Regina Roba, were brutally killed.

Sr Regina Roba had previously served two terms as a member of the General Council for her congregation. They were reportedly "killed in cold blood" as they returned to Juba after participating in celebrations marking the centenary of the Parish of the Assumption of Our Lady. This previous tragedy was documented by Fides on August 18, 2021, underscoring the persistent danger faced by travelers on this critical artery.

The repeated targeting of travelers, including religious figures and vulnerable individuals like children, on the Torit-Juba road serves as a stark reminder of the severe security risks prevalent in South Sudan. Such incidents, characterized by ambushes, robberies, and abductions, pose significant threats to individuals and organizations operating within or traversing these key routes. The ongoing volatility necessitates a rigorous re-evaluation of safety protocols for anyone with personnel in the region.

This latest Torit Juba security incident, involving the Carmelite sisters, reinforces the urgent need for heightened vigilance and robust protective measures to safeguard lives amidst unpredictable conditions. Legal and compliance professionals must emphasize the critical importance of reviewing and updating security advisories, travel plans, and duty of care obligations to mitigate the persistent dangers. The consistent nature of these attacks underscores that the threat environment remains high, demanding proactive and comprehensive security strategies from all entities with a presence or operations in the area.

This incident underscores the severe security risks for individuals and organizations operating or traveling on key routes in South Sudan. Lawyers and compliance officers should advise clients with personnel in the region to review and update their security protocols, travel advisories, and duty of care obligations in light of persistent threats like ambushes and abductions.

Source: Original reporting via Agenzia Fides and Radio Emmanuel 89