Gov’t restrictions threaten aid operations in South Sudan: UN

August 3, 2015 (MALAKAL) – Restrictions put in place by authorities on the movement of barges from Bor to Malakal on River Nile in South Sudan as well as lack of flight clearances to use Malakal airport are threatening the aid operations, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement.

The Nile is the main form of transporting food aid to the oil-rich region, but presently a frontline in Upper Nile between opposition forces and government troops.

Last week, the spokesperson for the South Sudanese army (SPLA) admitted the river transport was “temporarily put on hold” for security purposes, amidst claims rebels relied on it to attack army bases.

“The situation is dire for at least 65,000 people in Malakal and Wau Shilluk who are estimated to be affected by access and transport constraints, with humanitarian partners reporting shortages of medicine, fuel and water treatment chemicals,” OCHA said.

It, however, said negotiations were ongoing to ensure supplies were delivered to Upper Nile to avert further deterioration of the situation.

During his recent visit to South Sudan, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Stephen O’Brien, called for rapid and unhindered access to provide assistance to conflict-affected communities. He also stressed the need for immediate assistance.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced since violence broke out in South Sudan in December 2015 when forces loyal to President Salva Kiir clashed with those allied to the country’s former vice-president, Riek Machar.

An estimated 4.6 million people, aid agencies say, could face hunger should the fighting continue.

(ST)