Gov’t vows to impose necessary measures to curtail escalating violence against aid workers  

JUBA – South Sudanese government has vowed that it will impose necessary measures needed for the protection of aid workers as amid escalation of violence against the humanitarian community in the world’s youngest country.

Since at least the beginning of 2021, four (4) aid workers have been killed in South Sudan and nine aid workers were killed in 2020, according to the United Nations

Speaking to Sudans Post on Monday, the deputy minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation Deng Dau Deng said the government is taking immediate and effective measures to protect humanitarian workers to secure an atmosphere that guarantees their safety in the country.

“There are incidents of killing humanitarians worker that have happened and the government is putting in place measures to arrest and bring to book those criminals that have been targeting aid workers,” Dau told Sudans Post at his office in Juba on Monday.

Deng disclosed that the government plans to strengthen law enforcement across the country so that it is empowered to be able to stand against forms of abuses against the humanitarian community.

“The Ministry of Interior, State governments, and the national security have been working around the clock to create an environment where International staff works in peace,” he said.

He said the government will defense aid workers to enable them deliver humanitarian assistance to people in need.

“The first priority of the government is to protect the lives and property of individuals. Anybody living in South Sudan, his or her life is precious and is very important to be protected,” he added.

According to the United Nations, South Sudan is perennially one of the most dangerous countries for aid workers to operate in.

In his response to the above allegations, top government diplomat said that “When they said that South Sudan is the most dangerous place in the world, I don’t think that is correct,” he said.

“South Sudan has done everything possible to protect all the humanitarians and to create access to humanitarian aids,” he added.