The World Food Programme (WFP) has temporarily paused its convoy movement for the second time in Bor, Jonglei State following last week’s attack on its convoy that claimed the lives of two staff.
Mary Ellen, the WFP Country Director in South Sudan says it has temporarily paused its movement in the area to re-assess mitigation measures.
“Following the latest attack, the World Food Programme has been forced to temporarily pause its convoy movement out of Bor, Jonglei state for the second time,” Ellen says.
Jonglei is one of the corridors critical for food prepositioning ahead of the rainy season when the roads become inaccessible with millions of people relying on food assistance.
Mary adds that safety and security are paramount to the organization, when incidents of attacks and violence occur, it is the women, children, and elderly who suffer the most.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has condemned the recent attack on the UN convoy and temporarily suspended its operation in Jonglei state.
Meshack Malo, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan says the continued attacks targeting humanitarian workers and their assets are discouraging and are disrupting the delivery of lifesaving assistance to people in need.
“The humanitarian community is appalled by the continued attacks targeting humanitarians and their assets,” Malo says.
He adds that “these recurring acts of violence disrupt the delivery of life-saving assistance and must end.”
Meshack calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities and violence in the area to allow the humanitarian work to continue.
On 17th March, a humanitarian convoy of more than 100 trucks loaded with food and non-food items was attacked by bandits, and two people were killed with several others injured.