Aid agencies concerned over renewed violence in South Sudan

October 5, 2015 (JUBA) – Aid agencies operating in South Sudan have expressed concerns over the escalating violence in Unity State, especially around Koch and Leer counties.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), both areas have experienced intense conflict since April and there are grave concerns regarding the humanitarian condition of people trapped by the fighting.

Due to the intensity of the fighting, aid agencies in the young nations have reportedly relocated staff from Leer and humanitarian premises have apparently been looted.

“Humanitarian access is currently a major challenge in these areas and all assistance is on hold in light of the insecurity”, said Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the UN.

“During the week of 18-25 September, the World Food programme (WFP), UNICEF and partners delivered food, nutrition and shelter assistance to 13,000 people in Koch town and more than 6,700 people in Buaw town,” he added on Monday.

Meanwhile, by press time, the UN Security Council (UNSC) members continued to negotiate a United States draft resolution to enhance the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) by authorising it to support the implementation of the “Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”

(ST)