By Gladys Fred Kole
Troika countries and the UN peace mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) denounce an attack on humanitarian convoy that occurred near Bor town, Jonglei State.
In a statement seen by this outlet, Troika called for the protection of aid workers amidst the ambush.
The embassies of Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States join the UNMISS in strongly condemning the February 9 attack on a humanitarian convoy that was being escorted by peacekeepers in Anyidi Payam of Bor South County, Jonglei State.
The Troika statement expressed that humanitarian workers and peacekeepers must never be targets of violence.
“We call upon the transitional government and all those in positions of influence in South Sudan to act to ensure the security of those providing aid and support to the South Sudanese people.” The TROIKA statement was partly read.
They also urged that this ambush on the aid convoy should be looked into, and those who are responsible for this unacceptable attack must be held accountable for their deeds.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) also strongly condemned the attack in the strongest terms possible.
As the convoy passed through Macdit, 60 kilometers from Bor town, a group of armed men emerged from the bushes, and one opened fire on the UN vehicles.
An UNMISS vehicle was reportedly damaged, but fortunately there were no casualties. The peacekeepers returned fire and repelled the attackers, according to UNMISS.
“This attack threatened the lives of humanitarians delivering vital assistance to communities in need as well as peacekeepers providing protection. It is utterly unacceptable,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary General’s Special Representative to South Sudan and Head of UNMISS.
“We appreciate the response of the government of Jonglei State, which rapidly dispatched a joint protection team of local forces to the location to provide support. It is important that a thorough investigation takes place and that the perpetrators are held accountable,” he added.
On May 23, 2023, a large armed group on motorbikes looted five trucks loaded with food supplies outside of the UN compound in Bor.
The trucks were loaded with 100 metric tons of WFP food assistance, enough to feed more than 11,000 people for a month, according to the UN Food Agency.
The incident forced WFP to pause movements out of Bor for the third time last year.