Yei Leaders Meet to Protect Aid Workers

(YEI) – Local authorities in Yei River County have reiterated their full commitment to ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers and improving access to vital services for communities in need. This follows a high level coordination meeting held on 16 July 2025, which brought together local government leaders, international organisations, and community representatives.

The one day forum was led by Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme and attended by representatives from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Red Cross, Sudan Humanitarian Assistance (SUHA), Malteser International, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and members of the local community.

Speaking during the meeting, Taban assured all humanitarian organisations of the county government’s support, promising a secure environment for all operations. He stressed that humanitarian actors must be allowed to work freely throughout the county to ensure life-saving services reach those most in need, especially vulnerable populations in rural payams.

“We are committed to ensuring that Yei remains peaceful and accessible for our partners. Your work is vital to the survival of many,” said Commissioner Taban.

James Mugo Murithihi, a representative of the humanitarian organisations, welcomed the county’s assurances and praised the efforts already made to secure aid workers operating across Yei’s five payams. He encouraged continued cooperation between local leaders and humanitarian actors to maintain stability and open humanitarian corridors.

The meeting ended with renewed commitments from both government and international partners to work closely together. These commitments included strengthening security arrangements, improving community engagement, and coordinating efforts to respond to emergencies and development needs.

A local chief who attended the meeting appealed to all protection stakeholders to increase their efforts in safeguarding civilians and humanitarian staff. He highlighted that insecurity in some areas continues to pose risks to both aid delivery and the people receiving assistance.

Stakeholders at the Humanitarian Coordination Meeting in Yei