JUBA, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations in South Sudan said on Tuesday that it has started reducing peacekeeping patrols and support for peace and electoral processes after the South Sudanese government blocked UN-contracted trucks carrying fuel and other imports into the country.

The move was in response to the transitional unity government imposing new taxes on trucks contracted by the UN, an alleged violation of the legal framework governing UN operations in the country.

"The United Nations in South Sudan is gravely concerned that the government of South Sudan is impeding the importation of fuel and other critical supplies by UN-contracted trucks, which is disrupting peacekeeping, humanitarian, and development activities in support of communities across the country," Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said in a joint statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

Haysom said although the government has acknowledged that the taxation and subsequent blocking of trucks are inconsistent with its obligations, taxes are still being demanded at the point of origin.

He called on the government to release the vehicles so that the UN can continue supporting South Sudan in its transition from conflict to peace and democracy.

The UN official revealed that the situation has already had a negative impact on the UN's fuel reserves, which are now running out of essential commodities, adding that the situation will prevent the delivery of millions of dollars in aid during a severe humanitarian crisis and will also divert already stretched donor funds meant to assist the most vulnerable.

"Even if the trucks are released today, it will take several weeks for the fuel to arrive in Juba. This has forced the UNMISS to start cutting back peacekeeping patrols, suspending road repairs and construction of police stations, schools, and health centers, and reducing support for peace and electoral processes," Haysom said.

Nine million South Sudanese currently need humanitarian assistance, including almost 640,000 people who fled across the border from the Sudan conflict over the past year, according to the UN. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)