Three youths have been arrested in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State after allegedly being found selling humanitarian food aid in local markets, as state authorities intensify efforts to prevent the diversion of assistance intended for vulnerable communities.
The arrests follow an order issued by the Acting Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Gabriel Bol Dut, banning the sale of humanitarian supplies in markets across the state.
Speaking to the media in Aweil on Thursday, Dut said the directive prohibits the sale of humanitarian non-food items and other donated supplies, stressing that assistance must reach its intended beneficiaries.
He said humanitarian supplies should be distributed directly to targeted communities, health facilities and schools through the RRC and the State Ministry of Health.
Dut warned that individuals found violating the directive would face legal action.
He said the RRC remains committed to protecting humanitarian assistance meant for vulnerable populations and restoring public confidence in the distribution of aid.
Meanwhile, the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Police Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Gabriel Guet Padiet, said police had received the RRC directive and would work with other security agencies to enforce it.
He said authorities would take measures to protect humanitarian supplies from being diverted and sold in markets.
The Director General in the State Ministry of Health, Thomas Dogan Guot, also urged humanitarian organizations and individuals involved in aid activities to discourage the sale of donated supplies.
Guot said the Ministry of Health, RRC and state police are working together to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the people and institutions it is intended to support.
The directive comes amid growing efforts by state authorities to prevent the diversion and illegal sale of humanitarian assistance and ensure that aid reaches vulnerable communities across Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.