Khartoum- Al-Sammani Awadallah
Government stated that tribal conflicts in South Sudan have impeded significantly humanitarian work in South Sudan. State Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Abdalbagi Aljailani stated that GoSS has not disarmed tribes, nor has it conducted tribal reconciliations.
As such, he said, situations in the region would remain fragile, and hindrance to delivery of aid, noting to UN aerial aid dropping operations, opening of Sobat River for navigation and operation of river transport means.
He further told Sudan Vision that blocking of Bor-Juba road has affected remarkably humanitarian activities noting that usually rampancy of armed groups leads to blocking of roads.
Jailani regretted donors’ failure to honor their pledges to support humanitarian aid made during recent meetings in Juba, though he acknowledged donors’ positive role in Darfur.
The State Minister stated that efforts are ongoing to free the Irish and Ugandan hostages kidnapped in Darfur 102 days before, reporting that he held last week a meeting with tribal chiefs and security committee of North Darfur State on the issue.
He added that the government has urged the International Committee of the Red Cross to access the point where the two hostages are kept for assessing their health conditions.
Al Jailani reiterated government condemnation of the kidnapping, its determination not to pay any ransom and to prosecute offenders.
