Surge in attacks on aid workers across South Sudan: UN
Juba, Aug 12
The United Nations relief agency has expressed concern after attacks in South Sudan killed six humanitarian workers in July, warning that rising violence severely threatens vital aid operations across the country.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said that humanitarian access across South Sudan remained severely constrained in July due to persistent conflict, violence against aid workers, administrative hurdles and degrading infrastructure.
"Restrictions on the movement of cash, fuel and communications equipment into opposition-controlled areas also persisted, affecting the delivery of cash-based and other essential assistance," the UN agency said in its report.
It said two humanitarian workers were killed in Jonglei State, two in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and two others in Warrap State, Xinhua news agency reported. According to OCHA, three humanitarian workers were abducted with ransom demands in Central Equatoria and Western Equatoria states, while escalated hostilities in northern Jonglei forced the relocation of 10 aid personnel.
In July, 65 humanitarian access incidents were recorded, up from 63 in June, primarily in localities including Upper Nile, Central Equatoria, Jonglei, and Unity in the country, as ongoing insecurity posed severe threats to aid personnel and operations, OCHA said.
OCHA noted that a combination of escalating insecurity, movement restrictions, bureaucratic hurdles and weather-damaged infrastructure severely hampered humanitarian operations and delayed life-saving aid across South Sudan in July.
Meanwhile, over 60 people were killed and 50 others injured on Sunday after armed youth from neighbouring Unity State launched coordinated attacks across South Sudan's Warrap State, local authorities confirmed on Monday.
According to Warrap State Information and Communication Services Minister William Wol Mayom Bol, the assaults targeted the Ariec cattle camp in Tonj North County and the Pan-Ariik community in Akok village in a seemingly synchronised effort, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and the looting of property and an unspecified number of livestock.
Thirty-seven people from the Pan-Ariik community and 11 from Apuk-Padoc were killed in the assault, he said, adding that 15 attackers from the Nuer community of neighboring Unity State were also killed during the raid on the Ariec cattle camp.
"The senseless act of violence is a direct violation of peace and stability efforts in the region. Authorities in Warrap and neighboring Unity State shall take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice," Bol said.
Bol added that 17 of the critically wounded have been transferred to Wau in Western Bahr el Ghazal State for specialised care, while others are receiving treatment at the Athieng-Pool Primary Healthcare Unit.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The UN needs to do more than just release reports. Six workers killed in one month is unacceptable. These are real people with families back home. My heart goes out to their loved ones. The international community must hold those responsible accountable.
South Sudan has been suffering for so long now. The tribal conflicts just never seem to end. It's so sad that even the people trying to bring food and medicine are being attacked. As Indians, we understand the pain of conflict all too well. I hope peace prevails soon. 🙏
While the UN reports on humanitarian access issues, the underlying problem is the complete breakdown of law and order. The attack in Warrap state shows this is not just about aid workers - it's about civilians being caught in the crossfire of tribal violence. The government needs to step up its security forces.
This is really concerning for the whole region. India has contributed significantly to UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, and we know how difficult these situations can be. The attacks on aid workers are a war crime under international law. The UN Security Council must take decisive action. We cannot let these brave souls die in vain.
As someone who has worked in humanitarian aid, this story hits close to home. The bureaucratic hurdles mentioned in the report are often as deadly as the violence itself. Delays in moving cash and fuel mean people don't get the help they need, and workers are caught in the middle. The UN needs to rethink its approach in South Sudan.
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