Oct 09, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — The Unites States has expressed grave concerns on the recent attack on the World Food Program (WFP) humanitarian cargo convoy that left an aid worker missing and three others injured.
The U.S. Department of State express sympathy to the family of the missing aid work and the wounded staff a quick recovery.
“As a result of this attack, an aid worker remains missing and three are injured. We express our sympathy to the family of the missing aid worker and wish the wounded a full and swift recovery.” Read part of a statement issued by MORGAN ORTAGUS, the DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON of the U.S. Department of State.
The U.S. called on the government to investigate the attack as well as provide security to the aid workers reiterating that this is the second attack in a span of two months.
“This is the second attack on humanitarian cargo vessels in this area in the past two months.” Morgan continued.
“We call on the Government of South Sudan to investigate this attack fully and expeditiously, and provide the security necessary to ensure the safety of aid workers who are delivering critical life-saving services and assistance.” Read the statement.
The statement noted that the humanitarian aid workers in South Sudan and throughout the region work under extremely challenging conditions to assist some of the world’s most vulnerable men, women, and children.
The attack happened on Monday when a boat convoy carrying Food assistance from Bor to Melut and Malakal was attacked near Shambe North.
The United States is the largest single donor of humanitarian assistance to the people of South Sudan, providing nearly $907 million in humanitarian aid in FY 2020 through UN and NGO partners.
Despites, United States pledge to continue supporting the vulnerable South Sudanese people to help them address the current and other emerging crises.
“We continue to stand with the South Sudanese people to help address their ongoing humanitarian needs and demonstrate the long-term commitment of the U.S. Government and international community to South Sudan’s stability.” The Department Spokesperson said.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is struggling to pull out of its past of civil war. Since its independence in 2013, South Sudan has spent 7 of the last 9 years in a deadly civil war that fit the army and the ruling party, the SPLM, against itself.
More than 120 humanitarian aid workers have been killed or wounded, and over 400, 000 civilians have died within the last seven years.
