South Sudan President vows aid access to famine-hit areas

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has vowed his government would make sure aid reaches areas hit by famine after three years of war.

He said the war has restricted access for humanitarian workers. South Sudan last Monday declared famine in parts of the northern Greater Unity state, where 100 thousand people are faced with starvation and additional one million on the brink of famine.

Mr. Kiir in an address to Parliament said the government will ensure all humanitarian and development organizations have unimpeded access to needy populations across the country.

A UN aid official in the region welcomed the commitment, saying the President's commitment could give leverage in negotiations on the ground.

SOURCE: NEWS24