The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan has strongly condemned the killing of an aid worker in Bentiu, Unity State and called for the immediate and unconditional release of seven others abducted by an armed group in Morobo County of Yei River state.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Alain Noudehou called for stern action be taken against those involved in the attacks against aid workers who he says risk their lives to help South Sudanese.
“Aid workers risk their lives every day to provide life-saving assistance to people in need in South Sudan. I strongly condemn the targeting of aid workers and demand that those responsible for these acts be brought to justice. Our deepest condolences go to the families of the victims and the affected organizations,” he said.
According to the statement, a national staff working for Hope Restoration, a national NGO was killed over the weekend when armed men shot at an NGO vehicle marked Catholic Organization for Relief and Development Aid (CORDAID), transporting him and four others in Bentiu. In the same area, on the same say CARE international aid workers were robbed at gunpoint.
Noudehou also called for the release of seven national staff from the South Sudan Health Association, a national aid organization abducted by SPLA-IO forces in Morobo county.
The staff were travelling in a 3-vehicle convoy to deliver health supplies to health centers in Kupera, Limuro, Wuji and Koyoki in Lainya County.
Mr. Noudehou urged all parties to the conflict in South Sudan to ensure free, safe and unhindered access for the delivery of aid to thousands of South Sudanese in need.
At least 98 aid workers, mostly South Sudanese have been killed since the start of the conflict in December 2013.