Thousands get food aid in Northern Liech counties: official
April 5, 2016 (BENTIU) – At least 10,000 internally displaced people in Bentiu, Nhialdiu and Mayom county of South Sudan’s Northern Liech state have received food items provided by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), an area official said.
The state information minister, Lam Tunguar Kueigwong said food provided by WFP successfully reached those in need.
Food distribution mainly occurred in Mayom and Rubkotna counties.
“Since last week, WFP and partner organisations have been dropping food to people in Bentiu town and surrounding villages. This is an important step and we urge the aid organisations to continue supporting vulnerable people,” he said.
The official, however, appealed to aid agencies to extend similar services to Guit and Koch counties of Northern Liech.
He also called upon the internally displaced to leave their camps and return home to begin new lives after the war.
Thousands of people fled their homes for UN camps at the intensity of violent confrontations between the armed opposition forces and troops loyal to President Salva Kiir.
Many of those who left their homes ran into swampy areas and bushes, surviving on wild-fruits, tree roots and fish.
Currently, the UN is reportedly protecting nearly 200,000 people at its protection of civilian sites across the country.
(ST)