(Juba, 24 August 2018): The Humanitarian Coordinator, Alain Noudéhou, visited Wau with a high-level United Nations delegation yesterday, and urgently called for unhindered and safe humanitarian access for aid organisations to reach people who are in desperate need.

Mr Noudéhou’s visit was shortly after access to Greater Baggari was allowed again following three months of consistent denials. Renewed fighting in the Baggari area since mid-June has forced an estimated 28,000 people to flee their homes.

One partner that visited Greater Baggari when access was granted reported that Baggari town was almost completely deserted. They were told that people had fled into the bush for fear of more attacks. The few people seen were mostly men, some armed.

“With the new peace agreement signed, there is a growing expectation for a safer and improved operating environment for humanitarians across the country”.

The conflict in Greater Baggari had come during the planting season and many people are unable to reach their fields and plant for the next harvest season. “This means that the fighting now has far greater repercussions as it will also have a negative impact on the next harvest,” Mr Noudéhou said. “It is vital that all guns fall silent and stability and reconciliation are allowed to take hold in South Sudan.”