Global Courant 2023-04-28 16:03:22
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Climate change and ongoing conflicts have hit South Sudanese communities in the Jonglei region hard.
Humanitarian needs are growing and it is now more imperative than ever to ensure the safe delivery of aid to the most vulnerable.
However, escalating violence and insecurity along land routes across the country have led to numerous attacks against humanitarian actors.
To provide relief to internally displaced people in Bor and Pibor, peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) recently provided a protective presence for a convoy of 50 World Food Program (WFP) trucks.
On April 18, peacekeepers from Ethiopia and India began escorting WFP trucks carrying much-needed supplies to displaced communities in Pibor, Yuai, Lankien and Akobo.
It was a challenging but rewarding undertaking, reveals Major Ravi Kumar, the commander of the Indian forces deployed in the Bor-Pibor axis.
“The rainy season has started in South Sudan, making the roads very soggy. We were moving vehicles carrying 40-50 tons of supplies and had to navigate this difficult terrain with extreme caution. One small mistake and we would lose precious, life-saving supplies,” he recalls.
Road conditions weren’t the only thorny factor – safety was also a risk with reports of more than seven attacks on aid convoys along the route recently leading WFP to halt the delivery of aid to Jonglei, one of the most food-insecure countries. states of South Sudan, temporarily suspended.
“Blue helmets accompanying the convoy had to be alert at all times. Our task was twofold: to help humanitarian partners reach the designated locations safely while ensuring that none of the aid packages were lost or damaged in transit,” added Major Kumar.
Despite the hardship, he says, every peacekeeper in the convoy knew the importance of the convoy and the importance of the humanitarian aid carried in each truck.
“The people of Pibor needed the UN family and we were determined to deliver,” he said with a smile.
Their efforts were rewarded with much appreciation from Uror County Commissioner Moses Machot Jaak.
“We are extremely grateful to WFP and UNMISS. Their efforts have saved many lives. Thanks to the food aid received, my people will avoid starvation.”
Recently, authorities in Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area formed two commissions to investigate attacks on humanitarian convoys and theft of humanitarian aid.
“Attacking and looting humanitarian convoys is unacceptable. By establishing these investigative committees, we hope to find workable strategies, such as increased patrols by local law enforcement agencies along key supply routes, to stop such violence. It is important that we want to bring perpetrators of such acts to justice,” said Michael Mading Akueth, chairman of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in Jonglei.
UNMISS is tasked with coordinating with humanitarian actors to create safe conditions for the delivery of aid to all those in need throughout South Sudan. In April 2023, the UN peacekeeping mission provided protection to more than 150 trucks carrying essential relief supplies in Greater Jonglei.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
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