UN coordinator condemns attacks against humanitarian workers in Renk, Upper Nile

JUBA – The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Alain Noudéhou, has condemned Monday’s attack on humanitarian workers in Renk, and Upper Nile.

The attacks follow similar incidents barely two weeks ago in Torit, Eastern Equatoria and Jamjang, Ruweng Administrative Area.

The UN Coordinator said that a continuation of these violent incidents would make it impossible for humanitarians to carry out their work for vulnerable people.

“If these violent incidents do not stop, it may no longer be possible to provide humanitarian assistance to people in these locations,” Mr. Noudéhou said.

On 10 May, incidents at two international non-governmental organizations’ (INGOs) compounds were reported in Renk, Upper Nile. In both incidents, INGO staff was physically assaulted by a youth group.

Planned food distributions to vulnerable people in the area have been suspended following the incidents and staff movements have been restricted.

One organization estimates that any suspension of programmes will negatively impact more than 50,000 people benefitting from food assistance, livelihoods support, health services, and water, sanitation and hygiene interventions.

“I call on the Government and authorities at all levels to protect civilians, including aid workers. These attacks cannot continue. The perpetrators must be brought to justice,” he said.