Embassies Demand Return of Seized NGO Vehicles

(JONGLEI STATE) – The Embassies of Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States have condemned a reported order in northern Jonglei State for humanitarian organisations to surrender their vehicles.

The directive, issued by SPLM/A-IO Major General John Luk Bayak, was described as a serious violation of international humanitarian principles.

According to the embassies, the order endangers the safety of aid workers operating in South Sudan. It also targets assets that were provided by international governments to support life saving assistance for vulnerable South Sudanese communities.

The embassies have called for the immediate reversal of the order and the return of any seized vehicles or equipment. They emphasised that no individual or party in South Sudan has the right to confiscate assets intended for humanitarian work.

“The confiscation of these vehicles undermines efforts to provide urgent aid to communities in need,” the statement read. “Humanitarian organisations must be allowed to operate freely to deliver essential services without fear of interference or reprisals.”

Humanitarian organisations have been delivering critical assistance across Jonglei, including food, healthcare, and shelter, to populations affected by conflict and displacement. The loss of vehicles would significantly disrupt these operations and leave many vulnerable communities without support.

International partners stressed the importance of adhering to humanitarian law and protecting aid workers.

Embassies Condemn Jonglei Vehicle Order