The United Nations reports that “rapid response teams” have reached Pigi County in South Sudan but may not continue their work because of security concerns.
Pigi County lies south of Malakal in northern Jonglei State. The area is accessible by boat.
OCHA, the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, reported today, “In Jonglei, in Pigi/Canal, teams deployed to resume WASH, food, health, and nutrition activities that were earlier on hold due to security concerns.”
The aid agency cautioned, however, that “the security situation remained volatile and it was unclear whether the operations would continue.”
OCHA says that aid workers completed an assessment in Chuil, and aid agencies prepared to mobilize to provide food, medicine, and other support.
Pigi County is inhabited by two sub-clans of the Padang Dinka, the Atar and the Khorfulus. They are bordered by the Gawaar Nuer and Lou Nuer to the west and south, and by the Shilluk to the north across the Nile, who historically claim the area.
Related coverage:
Aid operation expanded in remote areas of Jonglei (9 Aug.)
Hundreds of civilians stranded on Pigi County island without help (1 Aug.)
Unknown gunmen carry out attack in Pigi County (17 July)