UN mission, WFP condemn attempted ambush on an interagency convoy

JUBA (RADIO TAMAZUJ) – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the World Food Programme (WFP) today strongly condemned the attempted ambush of an interagency UN convoy.

In a statement on Tuesday, UNMISS and WFP said a convoy of 59 trucks carrying WFP food and nutrition assistance came under attack from gunmen some 30 KM from Gadiang, 160 KM from Bor in Jonglei State on Monday, 28th February.

According to the statement, the convoy, under the protection of the UNMISS force, was en route to various locations to preposition much-needed assistance for 95,000 people ahead of the rainy season when access becomes heavily restricted.

A UN Peacekeeper suffered a gunshot wound and is in stable condition, the statement added.

“Continued attacks on humanitarians and the attempted looting of vital relief which millions of vulnerable people depend on to survive are a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law,” said acting Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for South Sudan Mr. Meshack Malo. “At a time of major funding constraints, the loss of aid due to theft, looting or destruction means that every bag of food, nutrition or other humanitarian supplies looted is stolen directly from the South Sudanese families most in need.”

According to UNOCHA, the number of attacks against humanitarian convoys and assets has been on the rise across South Sudan, reaching 591 in 2021.

“UNMISS and WFP call on the government to carry out an investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice and urge the community to respect humanitarian operations and UN Peacekeepers who are working to promote peace and stability in South Sudan,” the statement concluded.