The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said it has deployed its peacekeeping troops to Aburoc area in the Upper Nile region to help enable the delivery of much needed humanitarian assistance.
“The aim is to provide humanitarian groups with the confidence they need to resume the provision of urgent assistance to tens of thousands of people in Aburoc who are fleeing the ongoing violence,” said the Head of UNMISS, David Shearer.
“This short-term deployment is a response to an immediate need and will provide a light and temporary peacekeeping footprint in the area,” he added.
Currently up to 50,000 people are sheltering in and around the town of Aburoc on the west bank of the River Nile after a series of clashes between government and opposition forces. The most urgent humanitarian need is to provide safe drinking water.
“Without a secure supply of clean water, there is a risk of an outbreak of diarrhoea. Or even cholera which has the potential to kill thousands of vulnerable people. It is vital that our humanitarian partners are able to get this water and other aid through to alleviate the suffering,” said Shearer.
“I also note that the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) has acknowledged UNMISS’ intention to help facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of the Upper Nile,” he added.
The UN mission pointed out that the peacekeeping troops’ immediate focus will be on securing the roads to provide safe passage for the delivery and collection of water and other assistance by humanitarian groups.
It noted that there is a risk of old landmines on the road between Kodok and Auburoc so the UN Mine Action Service is currently assessing the situation and will remove any unexploded ordnance to reduce the threat and enable people to move freely.