S. Sudan rebels to release detained WFP driver
April 4, 2015 (BENTIU) – South Sudan’s armed opposition groups in Unity state have agreed to release a United Nations World Food (WFP) driver in detention within the rebel territory since last week.
The rebels had issued a strong statement, warning aid workers after their forces allegedly discovered a WFP truck transporting forces loyal to president Salva Kiir.
Major Weirial Puok, a rebel official said the militarily governor of Lich state had ordered release of the aid worker with immediate effect.
“It is not our wish to detain and arrest aid workers, but it a mistake to transport armed soldiers in the humanitarian truck. We are urging every agency in South Sudan to take precaution against ferrying armed groups,” Puok told Sudan Tribune Saturday.
The rebel-appointed governor of Lich state, Ruai Kuol Jal on Thursday accused WFP of failure to observe UN policies, thus putting lives of their field workers at risk.
In recent days, however, several attempts by the UN humanitarian agency to demand the release of the hostage proved unsuccessful.
The rebels initially wanted WFP driver to be treated as a prisoner of war after he was allegedly captured ferrying government soldiers.
“We have no problem with staffs working with aid agencies. But it is part of our responsibility to give them protection if they cross in to our territory,” Puok said.
This is the first time South Sudanese rebels have arrested and detained an aid worker.
(ST)