Expelled NGOs call on SRRA to negotiate

Humanitarian agencies which pulled out of south Sudan this week have called for talks with the rebel SPLM/A. They consider they were “forced to leave” over their refusal to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Association (SRRA), the humanitarian wing of the SPLM/A. “We are talking about principles that affect the long-term credibility and effectiveness of our programmes.We are dismayed that the process has not been completed,” said Nick Southern of Oxfam. “We are determined to see negotiations restarted so that we can return to our humanitarian work.” Meanwhile, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) - the largest NGO working in south Sudan - said on Wednesday it would remain operational. “We feel that our presence and activity in support of those in need, the local church and other civic organisations will not be compromised by the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding,” said CRS Executive Director Kenneth Hackett in a statement.