By Lodu William Odiya
Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, Dr. Bol Mel has pledged that the government will take firm action against any individuals obstructing humanitarian aid in South Sudan.
The commitment was made during a Wednesday meeting with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) Deputy Special Representative, Anita Kiki Gbeho, according to a statement from the Vice President’s press unit. “Free flow of aid is essential for saving lives and rebuilding livelihoods,” the statement quoted the VP as saying, while also commending the enduring partnership with UNMISS.
Discussions between the two officials focused on strengthening coordination to sustain peace efforts, safeguarding humanitarian personnel, and ensuring relief reaches all communities in need.
The meeting came as UNMISS officially closed its field office in Torit, the headquarters of Eastern Equatoria State, attributing the decision to a global funding shortfall.
The move, confirmed by the press unit for the Eastern Equatoria state governor, will see UNMISS scale down its operations by 50 percent.
Acting Deputy Special Representative, Anita Kiki Gbeho, briefed Governor Luis Lobong Lojore on the plans. Governor Lojore, in turn, commended UNMISS for recognizing the state’s progress in peace and stability, which he described as a joint effort of the government and the people.