By Charles K Mark
United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) calls on South Sudan government to tighten security to ensure safety of humanitarian workers in the country.
WPF made the call in a short notice shared to No. 1 Citizen Daily English Newspaper, following an attack in Duk County, Jonglei State on Saturday.
A driver of a truck carrying a consignment belong to WFP was killed in the attack.
“We urge the authorities to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian staff and assets as we preposition food assistance ahead of the lean season,” the UN agency urged.
According the Food agency, the truck had stopped for repairs, while the rest of the convoy continued, then it got isolated and subsequently attacked.
“A commercial transporter contracted by the World Food Programme (WFP) developed a mechanical problem in Jongeli State over the weekend,” WFP said in a statement.
WFP revealed that a recovery operation of the truck is underway and the status of the food being assessed.
About 20 metric ton of WFP cereal, enough to feed 2700 people, was loaded on the track, according to the agency.
Meanwhile, Duk County Commissioner Peter Latjor Chuol said the body of the driver (a Somali National) has remained at the scene since Saturday.
He reported to this outlet that there was an argument between the family of the deceased and WFP.
“The family of the deceased wants the remains to be taken and buried home while WFP is still taking time to decide,” the Commissioner said.
Latjor said the area is currently under patrol by the UNMISS peace keeping forces based in Jonglei.
In another development, the Duk County Commissioner also reported about stealing of about 20 calves on Sunday.
He said the whereabouts of the calves remained untraced and the cattle camp youth couldn’t identify the suspects.