Worsening economic crisis fueling crimes in South Sudan – envoy

JUBA – The rising levels of crimes involving armed robbery, killing of aid workers, and looting of humanitarian assistance in South Sudan’s capital Juba and along major highways is driven by the worsening economic crisis, a UN envoy has said.

There have been increasing levels of crime hugely driven by worsening economic crisis amid hyperinflation, leaving most civil servants, law enforcement agencies without salaries for the past four months, according to an expert report.

“Worryingly, weakened rule of law institutions and economic deterioration has led to increased criminality and targeting of humanitarian workers,”  Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan said in a statement extended to Sudans Post.

Haysom disclosed that this year alone, four humanitarian workers were killed, and millions of dollars of humanitarian supplies looted in some parts of the country.

The UN official, however, described the callous and indiscriminate killing of humanitarian workers as deplorable.

“UNMISS recognizes its own important contribution to creating a safe environment for humanitarian partners. And the Mission will continue to take the lead in promoting and advocating for safe conditions for the delivery of life-saving services,” he said.

He disclosed that the mission will assist the local authorities in tackling sub-national conflict and the widespread presence of firearms.

“The Mission intends to enhance general security, contributing to a safe and secure environment for political progress, but one which would also allow for the urgent and necessary delivery of humanitarian assistance along with the conditions necessary for refugees and IDPs to return and earn a livelihood,” he disclosed.

He said the unshakable insecurity has hindered the cultivation of crops and has contributed to a vicious cycle of livestock raiding in most parts of the country.

“Many communities are dangerously short of food supplies in places such as Warrap, Lakes, and Jonglei, to name but a few,” UN senior official said.

The UN Mission Chief said that continues inter-communal violence obstruct the realization of durable and sustainable peace in South Sudan.

“I would like to highlight the pervasive insecurity, in particular, inter-communal violence, which continues to obstruct the realization of a durable and sustainable peace in South Sudan,” he stated.