Government urged to ensure safety of aid workers

By Awan Achiek

The Executive Director, INTREPID South Sudan (ISS) Bol Deng Bol called for protection of humanitarian workers amid a surge in the number of attacks in the country.

An armed group on Friday attacked a humanitarian convoy that was being escorted by peacekeepers in Anyidi Payam of Bor South County in Jonglei State. 

“Although such incidences shouldn’t be surprising, I am urging the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) with the Government of Jonglei State and that of Greater Pibor Administrative Area to always collaborate while traversing these areas to prevent future similar occurrences,” Deng said in a statement extended to Dawn on Sunday.

The ambush happened in the Macdit area, situated 60 kilometers from Bor town, when armed men emerged from the bushes along the road and one of them opened fire on a convoy of UN vehicles.

No casualties were reported as UNMISS peacekeepers promptly returned fire and repelled the attackers.

Deng noted that a safe and enabling environment across the state is critical for aid to reach populations in need of assistance.

“It is worth reminding Humanitarian Actors, United Nations OCHA South Sudan about the surge in civilian armament amidst alleged nationwide disarmament exercise,” he said.

“Nonetheless, the government should never forfeit its prime responsibility of protecting Civilians and Humanitarian Actors at all times,” Deng added.

The Embassies of Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States on Sunday joined the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in strongly condemning the attack on a humanitarian convoy  in Jonglei State. 

The group said humanitarian workers and peacekeepers must never be targets of violence.

“We call upon the transitional government and all those in positions of influence in South Sudan to act to ensure the security of those providing aid and support to the South Sudanese people,” it said.