Upper Nile governor slammed over ‘dangerous rhetoric’ targeting aid groups

JUBA – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has criticised Upper Nile State Governor Jacob Dollar Ruot over “blood sucking” remarks it says amount to direct threats against humanitarian organisations operating in Nasir County.

In a statement issued on Sunday, SPLM-IO Acting Chairperson of the National Committee on Foreign Relations, Reath Muoch Tang, said the remarks attributed to the governor—reported by Eye Radio—constitute “dangerous rhetoric” that could place aid workers at risk and disrupt urgently needed assistance in one of the country’s most fragile regions.

According to Muoch, Governor Duol gave humanitarian agencies 48 hours to shift their operations to Nasir town or risk having their operational certificates revoked.

He was further quoted as describing aid agencies as “blood suckers,” comments the IO says are inflammatory and capable of provoking hostility against relief personnel.

The opposition movement stressed that state authorities have no legal mandate to withdraw or suspend NGO operational licenses, noting that registration and regulation fall strictly under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission. Any such threat, SPLM-IO argues, amounts to administrative overreach and violates established national procedures governing humanitarian work.

Muoch warned that publicly issued threats could encourage interference with aid delivery, interrupt lifesaving operations and expose vulnerable civilians in Nasir, Ulang and other parts of Upper Nile to deeper suffering at a time when conflict, bombardment and displacement continue to drive humanitarian need.

He further said the governor’s remarks undermine international humanitarian law, which obliges authorities to guarantee safe and unhindered access—rather than create obstacles or cultivate an environment of fear. The IO described the comments as a “clear violation” of these obligations and a precedent that could embolden similar actions elsewhere in the country.

SPLM-IO called on UNMISS, IGAD, the African Union, the Troika and other diplomatic missions to urgently engage the matter, saying the safety of humanitarian workers and the continuity of relief operations are at immediate risk.

The movement reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and facilitating aid delivery, adding that any disruption at this stage would have “immediate and devastating consequences” for communities already struggling with prolonged insecurity.

A separate statement obtained by Sudans Post reveals that Governor Ruot held a meeting with NGOs operating in the region and emphasised the need for the organisations to relocate to Nasir Town.

“Nasir Town is secure, stable, and ready to host full NGO operations,” Governor Ruot said. “We encourage all organisations to return their offices to Nasir so that services can be better coordinated and delivered more efficiently to those in need.”

Nasir County remains one of the most volatile areas in Upper Nile State since the March 2025 incident, in which Gen. David Majur Dak and scores of SSPDF soldiers were killed in what would consequently lead to the detention and trial of senior SPLM/A-IO officials, including Machar.