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A statement released by Norwegian Refugee Council on Thursday said that its two warehouses in Mirmir and Padeath filled with food aid were looted by armed group in oil-rich state.
The attack occurred amid rising of violence in the country, in which humanitarians are increasing harmed and their facilities damaged.
“The sharp rise in violence has forced our aid workers to flee with their families, forcing us to suspend our work in several areas,” said Kennedy Mabonga, NRC’s County Director in South Sudan.
Mabonga said looting has deprived at least 23,000 people in desperate need of aid.
“Witness accounts that reached us speak untold atrocities being committed against civilians, as well as widespread attacks on aid workers. We also fear that more of our warehouses will be attacked depriving even more people in desperate need of aid,” Mabonga said.
Mabonga said the attack and looting of humanitarian aid are unacceptable and can severely limit the ability of aid workers to deliver assistance to the people who need it most.
“At a time when South Sudan is facing unprecedented humanitarian need, every bag of food stolen from our warehouses is directly snatched from a family that desperately needs it,” Mabonga said.
He said the prevailing violence against aid workers is hindering humanitarian response in the country.
“We call on those involved in the violence, whether perpetrating it or encouraging it to stop immediately. We ask the government of South Sudan and local authorities to investigate those incidents with the utmost urgency and seriousness to prevent any further attacks on aid workers and to ensure that we can reach the most vulnerable people with aid,”
According to NRC, more than 8 million in South Sudan will be in need of humanitarian assistance including worsening food security.
