UN relief chief condemns attack on aid workers in Upper Nile
May 11, 2021 (JUBA) – The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Alain Noudéhou has condemned Monday’s attack on humanitarian workers in Renk, Upper Nile state.
The attacks followed similar incidents barely two weeks ago in Torit, Eastern Equatoria and Jamjang in Ruweng Administrative Area.
The humanitarian coordinator, in a statement issued Monday, said a continuation of such violent incidents will make it impossible for humanitarians to carry out their work for vulnerable people.
“If these violent incidents do not stop, it may no longer be possible to provide humanitarian assistance to people in these locations,” he said.
On 10 May, incidents at two international non-governmental organization’s compounds were reported in Renk, Upper Nile. In both incidents, staffs were physically assaulted by a youth group.
As a result, planned food distributions to vulnerable people in the area have reportedly been suspended following the incidents and staff movements have been restricted.
“I call on the Government and authorities at all levels to protect civilians, including aid workers. These attacks cannot continue. The perpetrators must be brought to justice,” said Noudéhou.
According to the UN, a total of 124 aid workers, most of them South Sudanese, have been killed in South Sudan since the country’s conflict erupted in December 2013.
(ST)