JUBA — The authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have banned the sale of humanitarian supplies in local markets and launched a statewide crackdown on the alleged diversion of aid meant for vulnerable communities.
The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) stated that it has already confiscated 3,082 sachets of Plumpy’Nut and 61 packages of Corn-Soy Blend (CSB) in Naivasha and Maper Akot Aru, with searches now expanding to counties across the state.
Gabriel Bol Dut, acting chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, revealed that the commission has issued a ban on the sale of humanitarian supplies.
“We are here to announce the order regarding the sale of humanitarian supplies in the market by individuals across the state. All humanitarian assistance shall not be for sale and shall be distributed based on needs without discrimination,” Dut said on Thursday during a press briefing in Awiel.
“We have confiscated 3,082 sachets of Plumpy’Nut and 61 packages of Corn-Soy Blend (CSB) in two areas, Naivasha and Maper Akot Aru. The search is still ongoing and will be implemented at the county level across the state.”
The food and non-food items distributed in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State are supplied by implementing partners, including Action Against Hunger (ACF), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and Health Net.
Maj. Gen. Gabriel Guet Padiet, the police commissioner for Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, stated that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is directed to search for relief supplies in the markets across the state.
“We have received an order from the RRC; many organizations have complained about the sale of humanitarian supplies. We have to conduct searches to identify those selling humanitarian supplies. Relief supplies are not for sale,” said Padiet.
“We want the public to abstain from selling humanitarian supplies, including mosquito nets; they were given free of charge. Otherwise, if we find people selling relief items, we will open a case against them,” he added.
Dut disclosed that the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission is committed to implementing the order issued under humanitarian law, noting that the police commissioner has directed the Criminal Investigation Department to enforce the order.
“We receive more complaints from humanitarian organizations that they have brought supplies to Northern Bahr el Ghazal State and South Sudan, but some individuals are selling supplies, including food and non-food items. This must stop,” he said.
“If we find any person who violated humanitarian law, that person must be brought to justice. If you are found selling humanitarian supplies, you will be taken to court. Humanitarian supplies are given to vulnerable people; they are not for sale in the market,” he added.
Thomas Lugar, the Director General for the State Ministry of Health in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, encouraged members of the public to stop selling nutrition and humanitarian assistance.
“We have confiscated CSB and Plumpy’Nut in the main market following the order. The State Ministry of Health is engaging with the RRC and the police commissioner to ensure this order is implemented,” said Lugar.
“We do not need humanitarian assistance to be sold; it was brought for free to serve our nation and our vulnerable people. The nutritional supplies are not just food; these are medicines brought to help malnourished children,” he concluded.
