S. Sudan rebels warn aid agencies against transporting gov’t forces
April 2, 2015 (BENTIU) – A South Sudanese rebel official on Thursday cautioned aid agencies operating in Unity state to desist from allegedly supporting pro-government forces operating in war zones.
In an exclusive interview with Sudan Tribune, the rebel governor of Lich state, Ruai Kuol, claimed humanitarian vehicles were ferrying government troops.
He claimed a truck driver contracted by World Food Programme (WFP) was captured by rebels, while allegedly transporting pro-government forces disguised as humanitarian workers.
“A Somali national, Bukhal Robela Nor Baro is under rebels’ hostage in Unity state after being captured in intensified battling with soldiers loyal to president Salva Kiir along Mayom-Bentiu road,” said Kuol.
He said WFP violated humanitarian the policy by transporting armed personnel.
“UN WFP should know that this person was capture when our forces and pro-government clashes. Let them refrain from pressuring us, otherwise we have evidence showing he [truck driver] carried a pro- government [soldier] in the truck,” said the militarily governor.
The rebel officials also confirmed that a team from WFP visited him on Thursday, demanding immediate release of the captured driver.
He however insisted his administration would not release the hostage until the UN food agency apologises for transporting armed soldiers.
“We know very well the United Nations policy. Armed groups should not be allowed in carrier on UN facility. Our question is, why was he involved in transporting armed forces?” the rebel official said.
He said the truck belonging to WFP, the contracted personal and government vehicles captured by rebels were all in good conditions.
A rebel source speaking on condition of anonymity told Sudan Tribune that all pro-government soldiers captured by rebels were allegedly killed by the armed opposition.
(ST)