The government has offered security escorts to humanitarian workers taking assistance to people in need,
says the Minister for Cabinet Affairs.
This comes after reports of road attack on aid workers, especially in the Upper Nile and Equatoria regions.
“The TGoNU is committed to protect and safeguard humanitarian workers in areas under its control. In this respect, the government has offered to provide escort to humanitarian convoys where necessary,” Dr. Martin Elia Lomoro.
However, the minister revealed that some of the organizations did not accept the offer “on grounds of neutrality”.
Eye Radio’s attempts to reach humanitarian groups, including the World Food Program, were unsuccessful.
“We, therefore, request IGAD and AU to force all armed groups in South Sudan to respect the security and safety of humanitarian workers,” he stressed.
Dr. Lomoro said the government is working with UN country team to establish early warning system to help the humanitarian agencies to strengthen disaster preparedness and response mechanism.
This, he added, will also help the agencies share their challenges.