10 aid workers missing in South Sudan
A UNHCR worker stands as workers carry humanitarian aid to a Syrian-bound truck at Cilvegozu near the Turkish-Syrian border in Hatay on November 28, 2016. At least 10 aid workers have gone missing in South Sudan's Yei River State. PHOTO | OZAN KOS | AFP
What you need to know:
- They were reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday outside Yei town by unknown armed men.
- Those missing include one staff from Unicef, one from the South Sudan Developmental Organisation, three from Plan International and one from Action Africa Help.
JUBA
At least 10 aid workers have gone missing in South Sudan's Yei River State, an official has said.
The UN Relief Coordinator Alain Noudehou said the humanitarian community was shocked by the suspected kidnapping of the aid workers.
The 10 were on a mission to provide humanitarian aid to the residents of Yei.
They were reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday outside Yei town by unknown armed men.
"We are deeply concerned about the whereabouts of the humanitarian aid workers and are urgently seeking information about their well-being.
RELEASED
"Our colleagues must be released without conditions so that their work can continue," Mr Noudehou said.
Those missing include one staff from Unicef, one from the South Sudan Developmental Organisation, three from Plan International and one from Action Africa Help.
Mr Noudehou, who condemned the kidnapping of the aid workers, urged the parties to the South Sudan conflict to observe international humanitarian law.
CONFLICT
"I condemn the latest attack against colleagues engaged in emergency humanitarian assistance in Central Equatoria and call on all parties to the conflict in South Sudan to ensure a safe and secure environment, conducive to the delivery of assistance," he said.
The kidnap is the second affecting aid workers in Yei River State in the recent times.
