New violence prevents aid from reaching vulnerable S. Sudanese

October 17, 2015 (JUBA) – Renewed violence in South Sudan’s Unity state prevents humanitarian organisations from reaching vulnerable populations, aid agencies said.

Renewed violence in central and southern parts of the oil-rich state have reportedly forced the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) to suspend plans to return to the area after weeks of extensive negotiations and securing permission with parties to the conflict a week ago.

An estimated 251,000 people living in Koch and Leer counties in Unity state have reportedly been cut off from regular humanitarian assistance for months amidst non-governmental organisations fear communities’ ability to cope was nearing exhaustion.

This is the second suspension of NRC and IRC activities in Koch and Leer counties in the last five months, officials said in a recent statement. Both agencies have had to suspend their operations since May due to clashes between armed factions.

“People are running out of time,” said Victor Moses, the NRC country director.

“They have had no regular food assistance, shelter support, or other forms of aid since May. After having experienced so many attacks and such sustained displacement, families’ stocks of supplies are likely to be depleted”, he added.

The resumption of fighting comes approximately one month after the government of South Sudan and opposition parties signed an Agreement to the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. The recent fighting joins a growing list of incidents being investigated as potential ceasefire violations by the East African regional bloc (IGAD).

“The people in Koch and Leer Counties have borne the brunt of this conflict since May, and the ongoing unrest is keeping vital aid from reaching them,” said Ronald-Paul Veilleux, South Sudan country director at IRC.

“All parties to the conflict should uphold a lasting, peaceful solution so that communities in Koch and Leer Counties can recover and eventually prosper”, he added.

Meanwhile, both NRC and IRC call on all parties to the conflict to halt hostilities in Unity state so that populations can access the assistance they desperately need.

They further call on the international community to exert its influence to ensure that the peace agreement is fully implemented and that aid agencies enjoy full and unfettered access to all those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

(ST)