The Embassies of Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States have strongly condemned a reported directive issued by SPLM/A-IO Major General John Luk Bayak in northern Jonglei State ordering humanitarian organizations to surrender their vehicles.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the embassies described the order as a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian principles” that endangers aid workers and disrupts the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities.
“We call for an immediate reversal of this order and the return of any assets seized,” the statement read. “No party or individual in South Sudan has the right to confiscate assets provided by our governments to assist implementing partners in support of efforts to deliver life-saving aid to South Sudanese in need.”
The diplomatic missions emphasized that such actions undermine international efforts to alleviate suffering and restore stability in conflict-affected areas of South Sudan. They urged all parties to respect humanitarian operations and ensure the safety and independence of aid workers across the country.
Humanitarian agencies continue to play a critical role in delivering food, medical supplies, and emergency relief to millions affected by conflict and flooding in South Sudan. Any obstruction, they warned, risks worsening the already dire humanitarian situation.