Western Equatoria State Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa has condemned the burning of a humanitarian truck belonging to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Mundri East County and called on armed groups to stop attacks on civilians and road users.
The incident occurred on Friday, Aug. 7, between Buagyi and Doroh Boma, where two NRC trucks were transporting humanitarian supplies to Nagero County, Mundri East County Commissioner Daite Mathew said.
Mathew said the trucks were ambushed and one was set ablaze, while the other escaped and reached a nearby South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) barracks. He said the two drivers escaped unharmed and no casualties were reported.
SSPDF soldiers later visited the scene and security forces were pursuing suspected attackers, Mathew said.
“It is very unfortunate for such things to happen while humanitarian organizations are serving and saving the lives of innocent people in the country,” Mathew told Radio Tamazuj.
He called on those carrying out attacks along roads to stop targeting road users.
“I extend my hands for peace. Let us preach the word of peace, unite and stop attacks on the roads,” he said.
Governor Rimbasa warned forces associated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), the National Salvation Front (NAS) and other armed groups operating around Minga, Lozo and surrounding areas against activities that threaten civilians, restrict movement and undermine security.
“We are the children of this state. We should not create issues that will dismantle the relative peace that we are having. We don’t have a new rebellion,” Rimbasa said.
He said parties expected to implement the country’s peace agreement should not engage in activities that create insecurity and suffering among civilians.
The governor also condemned recent cattle-related violence and retaliatory attacks involving communities in Greater Mundri and the Mundari community of Central Equatoria State.
He said more than 32 people, including children, had been killed and more than 800 cattle raided from Greater Mundri East and West, while six cattle were taken from the Mundari community.
Rimbasa said the governments of Western and Central Equatoria states had worked together to prevent further escalation.
Western Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communication Mohammed Juma also condemned the recent violence in Mundri East.
Juma confirmed reports that two women were killed and four mourners injured in an earlier attack in Vora Boma while returning from a funeral. He also condemned the burning of the humanitarian vehicle, which he said was carried out by unknown gunmen.
He called on armed groups to stop attacks on civilians and urged affected communities to remain calm.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack on the humanitarian vehicle.
South Sudan remains a highly challenging environment for humanitarian operations, with armed violence, attacks on aid workers and looting of humanitarian assets disrupting the delivery of assistance.
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