State minister bars UNMISS patrol in S. Sudan Western Equatroia

May 12, 2016 (YAMBIO) – Minister of local government and law enforcement in the newly created state of Gbudue of Western Equatoria (WES) has issued a ministerial order on Wednesday, barring the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) from patrolling in the state.

The Ministerial order issued and read over local radio Yambio Fm came into effect from 11 May 2016 at 1:00pm local time.

The directive was given to all security organs to enforce the order and implement it accordingly in the state, adding that any violation shall result into full swing of law in accordance with laws of the state.

UNMISS mandate in South Sudan involves escorting humanitarian agencies with food and non-food items to be distributed to refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state.

However, with the issuing of the ministerial order it will be a challenge to reach to the needy people as looting on roads and insecurity continue in the state.

The order was issued within a week after UNMISS personnel on patrol were detained by the commissioner of Tombura county not to speak or interview any citizen or proceed to Sour-Yubu Payam where fighting occurred between armed youth and government forces.

(ST)