Mark Simmonds offers condolences to those affected by the sinking of a ferry carrying hundreds of people fleeing violence in South Sudan.
Commenting on the ferry disaster, the Minister for Africa, currently visiting Khartoum, said:
I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic ferry sinking in South Sudan in which many people fleeing the fighting were killed. Hostilities must cease without delay so that we can see an end to this senseless loss of life and humanitarian assistance can reach those who need it.
My thoughts are with all those affected by the disaster today, and with all those who continue to suffer from ongoing violence.
Some 200 people fleeing warfare died after a boat crossing the Nile River sank, a South Sudanese
military official said Tuesday, as fighting between rebels and government forces moved closer to the national capital.
Warfare in the world’s newest state has displaced more than 400,000 people since mid-December, with the front lines constantly shifting as loyalist troops and renegade forces gain and lose territory in battles often waged along ethnic lines.
