South Sudan apologizes to humanitarian agencies over attacks

South Sudan's minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Albino Akol Atak addressing the press in Juba on 29 March 2023. [Photo: Radio Tamazuj]

The South Sudan humanitarian affairs and disaster management ministry Wednesday apologized for recent attacks on humanitarian convoys and workers across the country that have led to deaths and destruction.

Albino Akol Atak, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, condemned the attacks and said they were regrettable as humanitarian aid is lifesaving services for vulnerable communities. 

“The ministry takes this opportunity to apologize for these very unfortunate and senseless incidences and for the loss of lives of innocent peoples, who were providing humanitarian services,” Akol said.

About two weeks ago, a humanitarian convoy belonging to the UN's World Food Program was attacked in Jonglei State, leaving two people dead and several others injured. 

The minister assured aid agencies that the government is determined to provide adequate security for the safe delivery of humanitarian services and assets to various destinations in the country. 

He revealed plans to conduct a forum between humanitarian actors and armed groups to address the challenge of insecurity. 

For his part, Peter Van der Auweraert, UN Acting Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, said all the humanitarian agencies are optimistic about the proposed coordination and collaboration between the government and aid agencies in providing aid to vulnerable communities. 

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said South Sudan is one of the most dangerous places for aid workers, with nine humanitarian workers killed in the line of duty and 418 incidents reported in 2022.

Earlier this year, three aid workers were killed while on duty providing critical services to the most vulnerable affected by the protracted humanitarian situation in South Sudan.

An estimated 9.4 million people in South Sudan are projected to need humanitarian assistance or protection services in 2023.