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South Sudan conflict: UN condemns expulsion of Toby Lanzer | South Sudan conflict: UN condemns expulsion of Toby Lanzer |
(about 14 hours later) | |
The United Nations has condemned the expulsion of the UN humanitarian co-ordinator in South Sudan, Toby Lanzer. | The United Nations has condemned the expulsion of the UN humanitarian co-ordinator in South Sudan, Toby Lanzer. |
Mr Lanzer, a UK citizen, was given no explanation as to why he had been asked to leave the country, the UN said. | Mr Lanzer, a UK citizen, was given no explanation as to why he had been asked to leave the country, the UN said. |
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the government to reverse the decision immediately. | UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the government to reverse the decision immediately. |
Months of fighting have left an estimated 40% of South Sudan's population in need of food aid and more than two million have been displaced. | Months of fighting have left an estimated 40% of South Sudan's population in need of food aid and more than two million have been displaced. |
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A spokesman for Mr Ban said Mr Lanzer had been "instrumental in addressing the increasing humanitarian needs" of the people. | A spokesman for Mr Ban said Mr Lanzer had been "instrumental in addressing the increasing humanitarian needs" of the people. |
"The secretary-general calls on the government of South Sudan to reverse its decision immediately. He further urges the government to co-operate fully with all United Nations entities present in South Sudan," a statement said. | "The secretary-general calls on the government of South Sudan to reverse its decision immediately. He further urges the government to co-operate fully with all United Nations entities present in South Sudan," a statement said. |
The UN said Mr Lanzer was not in South Sudan on Monday but he planned to return to wrap up final business. | The UN said Mr Lanzer was not in South Sudan on Monday but he planned to return to wrap up final business. |
Mr Lanzer was coming to the end of his term and the UN had already announced he was to be replaced by Eugene Owusu of Ghana. | Mr Lanzer was coming to the end of his term and the UN had already announced he was to be replaced by Eugene Owusu of Ghana. |
South Sudan is the world's newest state, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011. | South Sudan is the world's newest state, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011. |
But violence broke out in December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup. | But violence broke out in December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup. |
Mr Machar denied the allegation but then formed a rebel army. | Mr Machar denied the allegation but then formed a rebel army. |
Government forces have recently been advancing towards Leer, Mr Machar's birthplace. | Government forces have recently been advancing towards Leer, Mr Machar's birthplace. |
BBC Southern Africa correspondent Karen Allen says the UN has stopped short of imposing sanctions on South Sudan's politicians but there is now a renewed sense of urgency to step up efforts to hold the leadership to account. | BBC Southern Africa correspondent Karen Allen says the UN has stopped short of imposing sanctions on South Sudan's politicians but there is now a renewed sense of urgency to step up efforts to hold the leadership to account. |
Earlier this month, Mr Lanzer warned that more than 300,000 people were without access to vital aid because of fighting in Unity state. | Earlier this month, Mr Lanzer warned that more than 300,000 people were without access to vital aid because of fighting in Unity state. |
"Ongoing hostilities in Unity state have now obliged all non-governmental organisations and UN agencies to evacuate staff from Leer and other locations," he said. | "Ongoing hostilities in Unity state have now obliged all non-governmental organisations and UN agencies to evacuate staff from Leer and other locations," he said. |
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