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South Sudan: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (September 2017)

Countries
South Sudan
Sources
OCHA
Publication date

OVERVIEW

In September, humanitarian organizations continued to experience a growing number of impediments in accessing conflict-affected people in many locations in South Sudan. 101 access incidents were reported by partners. About 65 per cent of the incidents involved violence against humanitarian personnel and assets.

The number of access incidents in Western Equatoria substantially increased, with 19 reported in September, up from four in August. This was mainly due to several ambushes and robberies along main roads. Two aid workers were killed in September, including one in an armed ambush on a marked humanitarian convoy on 8 September in Mundri West County, and an NGO community teacher killed in the Bentiu Protection of Civilian (PoC) site.

There were nine looting incidents reported in September, compared to two in August in Central, Eastern and Western Equatoria, Unity, Upper Nile, Lakes, and Warrap. In Gogrial East County, armed men ambushed an NGO vehicle along Wau - Luanyakier road on 8 September and looted all humanitarian supplies. In Kapoeta East County, a ten-vehicle convoy transporting food aid to Maghos and Jie was looted by civilians leading to loss of significant amounts of food destined for the hungry.

The eruption of clashes and insecurity in some locations in Unity, Upper Nile and Western Equatoria forced the relocation of at least 89 aid workers in September. In Koch County, partners suspended food airdrops and distributions on 8 September in Buaw and Buoh following reports of insecurity. The suspension affected nearly 25,000 people in the two locations.

During the month, there were reports of aid workers being denied access to areas outside of Yei town by parties to the conflict. Partners were not able to access populations in Mundri East and Bangolo areas, with restrictions imposed by local authorities into perceived opposition-controlled areas.

Several organizations continue to face challenges transporting cash out of Juba for their humanitarian operations, with authorities requesting new and additional paperwork. Immigration and security operatives stopped several aid workers from travelling on internal flights at several airports. The incidents resulted in additional costs for the organizations and in some cases prevented aid workers from accessing field locations.

101 incidents reported in September 2017

65 of the incidents involved violence against humanitarian personnel and assets

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.