UN suspends its develoment activities in S Sudan

The UN Mission in South Sudan says it has suspended its development activities in South Sudan. 

UNMISS spokesperson Ariane Quentier said the mission’s priorities are changing with the current crisis.

She told Eye Radio that UNMISS is facing difficulties in implementing its mandate fully because of restrictions.

“Right now many of the convoys and many of the operations and especially of UNMISS are being grounded, they cannot reach to the people,” said Ms Quentier.

“It is the same for all assistance these South Sudanese citizens badly need, and if you add to that, a continued harassment to the members of UN staff on the ground. This is going to be a catastrophe for South Sudan.”

Ms. Quentier said the situation of the IDPs in the UN camps is likely to get worse as the rainy season approaches.

“We are talking about double hygiene issues:  one because there is no latrines, the other one is that when it is going to rain, is going to be stagnant waters and stagnant waters do result into waterborne deceases which can be mortal and very dangerous.”

Ariane said UNMISS is expecting to receive more IDPs in the UN camps as the situation in the country continues to worsen.