HAMILTON, Canada

The UN chief on Friday strongly condemned the killing of a South Sudanese staff member working with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), calling on authorities to swiftly bring those responsible to justice.

"The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the killing of a civilian staff member serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)," said a statement by Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The statement said the killing took place earlier this week in Western Bahr el Ghazal state.

"On 15 December, Mr. Bol Rhoch Mayol Kuot, a South Sudanese national employed as a Language Assistant with UNMISS, was forcibly detained by security actors near Wau town in Western Bahr el Ghazal state and subsequently killed by his captors," it said.

Guterres called "upon the Government of South Sudan to spare no effort in ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are swiftly brought to justice."

He also “extends his deepest condolences to the staff member’s family and loved ones and reaffirms the United Nations' commitment to providing all possible support during this profoundly difficult time."