Statement attributable to the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan Mr. Georg Charpentier
KARTHOUM, Sudan, April 26, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Mr. Georg Charpentier has expressed deep regret for the death of a humanitarian aid worker in southern Sudan. Santino Pigga Alex Wani, a staff member with the World Food Programme, was killed on 23 April during an attack by armed assailants whilst travelling on duty in Jonglei State. “Santino Pigga had worked for nearly seven years with WFP in southern Sudan.
His loss will be greatly mourned both by his colleagues and the communities that he served.
Our thoughts and condolences go to Santino’s family at this time”, said Mr. Charpentier.
Mr. Charpentier also expressed concern about the status of two staff members contracted by the International Organisation for Migration, after their vehicles were commandeered by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) on 19 April and were forced to drive, carrying SPLA soldiers, into an area with active conflict in Unity state. Their whereabouts remain unknown and the humanitarian community remain concerned for their safety.
The Humanitarian Coordinator called on the Government of Southern Sudan, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army and other armed groups to reaffirm their commitment to protect the safety of humanitarian personnel at all times and to ensure humanitarian actors are able to provide life-saving assistance to communities in an impartial and neutral manner.
SOURCE
UNITED NATIONS
