UN urges urgent release of trucks carrying fuel, critical supplies in South Sudan

April 23, 2024 (JUBA) – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has acknowledged assurances from government that the recent imposition of taxes on trucks carrying fuel and other supplies does not apply to UN humanitarian, development and peacekeeping operations or to the diplomatic community.

The mission, in a statement issued on Tuesday, however, said it remains concerned that our fuel trucks are still being held up at various depots and the border.

Until they are released, the UN will not be able to conduct many of its activities in support of vulnerable communities across the country, partially said the statement.

“While we acknowledge the Government’s confirmation of its intention to end the blockade of our trucks, we now need urgent action to get the trucks moving to ensure our support for South Sudan does not grind to a halt,” said the Special Representative of the Secretary – General in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom.

According to the UN, the situation in South Sudan is critical and the fuel reserves of the UN and its agencies, funds and programs are reportedly running out.

This, the mission warned, is likely to prevent the delivery of millions of dollars of aid during a severe humanitarian crisis and divert already stretched funding provided by donors and other Member States to assist the people of South Sudan.

The world body further expressed concerns that humanitarian airdrops in South Sudan have already been suspended, affecting at least 60,000 people in need.

UNMISS, the statement extended to Sudan Tribune noted, was also forced to review peacekeeping patrols, road repairs, construction of police stations, schools, and health centers, as well as reduce support to peace and electoral processes.

This comes after the South Sudanese government recently imposed a raft of taxes and fees on UN agencies, diplomatic missions, and humanitarian assistance including the ePetroleum Accreditation Permit, customs fees, the electronic cargo tracking note, the laboratory test on food rations, and the security female escort

(ST)