South Sudan: Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. condemns threat letters against aid workers

(Juba, 20 July 2017): The Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim (a.i.) for South Sudan, Mahimbo Mdoe, has expressed concern regarding recent threat letters issued against aid workers in at least three locations in South Sudan: Bor in Jonglei, Torit in Eastern Equatoria and Mankien in Unity.

“Aid workers are working tirelessly across South Sudan with the sole aim of saving lives and alleviating the suffering of civilians caught-up in conflict and desperate circumstances,” said Mr. Mdoe. “It is absolutely unacceptable that aid workers, who place themselves at risk each day to help others, are being subjected to discrimination, threats and violence.”

The Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. called on all authorities to ensure the safety and security of humanitarians in the areas they control across the country and to work to prevent future threats against them.

“I am grateful for the steps already taken by authorities in Bor, Torit and Mankien to address the recent threats against aid workers in these areas,” said Mr. Mdoe. “Humanitarians must be able to reach people in need throughout South Sudan, regardless of their place of origin, ethnicity, tribe or any other characteristic. I call on all those with influence to reiterate their respect for aid workers, and to take swift action to prevent threats such as these arising in the future.”

Background:
In late June and early July, three letters threatening violence against aid workers from the Equatoria region working in Bor, Jonglei, were received by aid organizations. Humanitarians have extensively engaged with authorities regarding the letters, which were authored by a group proclaiming to be the Bor Community Youth Association. The acting Governor issued a public statement condemning the threats and assured humanitarians that authorities would take all necessary steps to ensure their safety. Several arrests have already been made of alleged perpetrators.

In Torit, Eastern Equatoria, a threatening letter was recently found posted in an NGO compound demanding that staff from the greater Upper Nile and Bahr el Ghazal regions vacate their jobs. The Governor has reportedly instructed national security and police to investigate the incident and arrest the culprits.

In Mankien, Unity, a threat letter was issued by the County Commissioner demanding that staff from other areas leave. This was followed by a further threatening letter from a group proclaiming to be Youth of Greater Bul counties.

For more information, contact the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in South Sudan:
Frank Nyakairu, nyakairu@un.org/+211 922 4060 12
Guiomar Pau Sole, pausole@un.org / +211 920100411

For more information about the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, visit:
www.unocha.org/South-Sudan
http://southsudan.humanitarianresponse.info/