South Sudan's government has decided to expel UN Humanitarian Coordinator Toby Lanzer, according to the spokesman of UN secretary-general. The UN did not disclose the reason for the expulsion order.

The UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said that Lanzer was already coming to the end of his term and his successor had already been announced. In spite of this, the South Sudanese government apparently ordered him to depart earlier than he had planned.

“The Secretary-General condemns the Government of South Sudan's decision to expel the United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General/ Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Toby Lanzer,” said Dujarric.

He said that Lanzer has been “instrumental in addressing the increasing humanitarian needs of conflict-affected communities in the country, and ensuring that life-saving humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable.”

Although Dujarric did not disclose whether Lanzer has yet left the country or not, he called on the South Sudanese government to reverse its decision, implying that he is still in South Sudan.

The UN announcement arrived late in the evening on Monday. South Sudanese officials have not yet publically responded to the Secretary-General's statement.

Related:

South Sudan parliament cuts number of allowed foreign aid workers (12 May)