UN says rescued S. Sudan rebels on “humanitarian” grounds
September 10, 2016 (JUBA) – The United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) said it rescued on “humanitarian” grounds some 300 individuals who had crossed into the DRC from South Sudan with South Sudan’s ex-vice president, Riek Machar between 24 August and 4 September.
The individuals, the UN said, were extracted by its mission in the DRC from the Garamba National Park, Haut Uélé province,located in the north east of the country.
Many of those rescued, it further revealed, were wounded, acutely malnourished or in another life-threatening condition.
According to the world body, this operation follows the 17 August extraction of Machar from a location inside the Garamba National Park, along with his wife, son and 10 if the rebel leader’s aides.
“In total MONUSCO has handed over 117 individuals, including Riek Machar, his wife and son, to the DRC authorities,” it said in a statement.
“As of 8 September, there are 183 further individuals in MONUSCO-run facilities in two locations. Security arrangements are in place at these locations. These individuals are receiving medical treatment or are recovering in UN facilities, while the DRC and South Sudan authorities are working to agree on a longer-term solution,” it added.
Meanwhile, the UN said it is engaging with both the DRC and South Sudan authorities as well as regional actors to encourage them to find a solution to the presence of South Sudanese armed elements in the territory of the DRC.
“While these efforts are ongoing, the DRC and South Sudan authorities are regularly informed of the actions being taken on the ground,” stressed the UN statement.
(ST)