SECRETARY-GENERAL GRAVELY CONCERNED OVER BOMBINGS IN SOUTHERN SUDAN

1 March 1996

Press Release
SG/SM/5904

SECRETARY-GENERAL GRAVELY CONCERNED OVER BOMBINGS IN SOUTHERN SUDAN

19960301 The following statement was issued this afternoon by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali:

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned over the recent bombings by Sudanese government aircraft of airfield in southern Sudan used by relief agencies. These incidents constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, endangering the lives of civilians in need of assistance provided by Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS), as well as the lives of international relief workers and flight crews. The Secretary-General is alarmed that these incidents occurred in locations approved by the Government of the Sudan for relief flights by OLS and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and when additional procedures established by the Government to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian operations had been respected by both UN/OLS and ICRC aircraft. The disruption of ongoing relief activities caused by these incidents is unprecedented in the six-year history of OLS and has serious implications for the continuation of humanitarian operations in the Sudan, that bring relief to over 4 million persons.

The Secretary-General has asked the United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs to take appropriate steps to seek clarification from the Government of Sudan as well as their assurances that such actions will not be repeated.

* * *

Background Information

According to information from OLS, the airstrip in Akuer (southern Sudan) was bombed by a Government of Sudan aircraft on 17 February after approximately seven tons of relief food had been delivered to this location by UN/OLS aircraft operating within a flight plan approved by the Sudanese Government. A large number of civilians, including women and children, had gathered at the airstrip in anticipation of food distribution.

Earlier that same day, a similar bombing had taken place at Paluer, south of Akuer, while an aircraft of the ICRC was on the ground and staff were conducting humanitarian operations. Bombs exploded within 300 metres of the aircraft.

Another incident occurred 22 February, again in Paluer, when an ICRC nurse witnessed the dropping of three bombs within 200 metres of her location.

* *** *