By CISA
YEI, AUGUST 14, 2020(CISA) – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has condemned an attack on an NGO convoy in Yei County, Central Equatoria on August 10.
“This is unacceptable. I strongly condemn the unprovoked ambush on a convoy with both vehicles clearly marked by the NGO logo on the van and a visible red cross on the ambulance,” said the Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim in South Sudan, Dr. Olushayo Olu in an August 11 Press release.
“Those responsible should be brought to justice. Shockingly, the ambulance was carrying patients at the time of the ambush. I call upon the government and all parties to step up efforts to protect humanitarians who are trying their best to deliver aid to refugees who are in need during these uncertain times. Armed violence should be curbed in South Sudan so that we can all come together to fight against growing hunger, flooding and the threat of Covid-19,” he said.
According to the UN, on August 10, an international NGO convoy comprising of two vehicles were ambushed by an unknown armed group in Abegi on the Yei-Lasu road, 16 kilometers from Yei town. The NGO, a UN partner, were on their way to the Lasu settlement hosting refugees from DRC and Sudan to provide health, nutrition and hygiene services. The two vehicles, a van and an ambulance, were carrying 15 passengers, 11 staff and four patients, at the time of the attack.
The ambulance was looted of medical and nutritional supplies by the armed group.
