KHARTOUM: The United Nations called on south Sudan yesterday to lift army restrictions that are preventing aid workers from helping thousands of people fleeing deadly clashes with a rebel militia.
The UN humanitarian chief in Sudan, Georg Charpentier, expressed "concern about the deteriorating security situation in Jonglei and Upper Nile states" in a statement that called for "unhindered access to assess and respond to the humanitarian situation."
He also urged the government of south Sudan and the rebel groups fighting in the two states to end the violence that has claimed several hundred lives since early February.
"Due to the ongoing military operations, the SPLA (southern Sudan People's Liberation Army) has declared a large part of Jonglei state, which includes parts of Fangak, Pigi and Ayod counties, a no-go area," said Charpentier.
AFP