A South Sudanese driver was killed in an attack on 17th September against a convoy of a World Food Program partner organization in Mugwo Payam, Yei County. The convoy was carrying 121 metric tons of food supplies for host communities in Morobo County. One person was injured, two were found unharmed and three others are missing.
The Humanitarian Coordinator and interim in South Sudan, Matthew Hollingworth, strongly condemns the latest attack on a humanitarian convoy in Yei County, Central Equatoria and calls for authorities and communities to ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel as they deliver assistance to the most vulnerable people in South Sudan.
In a statement. Matthew said he was appalled by the horrific news of yet another act of violence against humanitarians and people serving the community in South Sudan. He further expressed his condolences to the family and colleagues of the driver who were killed in Yei County on Friday.
On 17 September, the convoy of a World Food Program cooperating partner, consisting of seven people in three trucks, were attacked in Mugwo Payam, Yei County.
The convey was travelling from Yei to Morobo and carrying 121 metric tons of food supplies destined for livelihoods programming in support of host communities in Morobo County. The driver of one of the trucks, a South Sudanese citizen, was killed when the unknown gunmen opened fire on the convoy.
One person was injured, two were found unharmed and three others are currently missing. Humanitarian personnel work tirelessly to deliver assistance to the most vulnerable people in South Sudan, including women, children and the elderly.
Attacking them as they carry out their work is unacceptable and has to stop. I call on all parties to respect, protect and enable those organizations and personnel working to provide humanitarian assistance to the citizens of South Sudan. Humanitarian access remains challenging across South Sudan with a spike of violence against humanitarian personnel and assets reported this year.
Since March, aid workers, people serving the community, and assets have been ambushed or attacked in at least eight of the ten states in the country. The attacks led to the suspension of humanitarian activities and the relocation of workers. “These attacks constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
The trend of increased violence against humanitarians cannot continue. Our thoughts are now with the three people still missing. We hope that they will soon be safely back with their families.
Last month, a similar attack happened whey an envoy of humanitarian staff were hijacked as they returned from a one week field work. Many similar attacks are happening and the life of humanitarian offices keep being under threat in at most risk areas within South Sudan. The warring factions have made humanitarian workers envoys a target and yet they are tirelessly working towards a better rebuilding of the country and supporting the most vulnerable communities with the much needed Aid.
The government of South Sudan has in several occasions promised security to the Aid workers amidst the violence but their efforts are undermined by the existing warring factions who deliberately ensure the looting of relief items are conducted under the watchful eyes of the rebels.
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