Southern Sudan soldiers attacking aid workers, officials say, in hint of Darfur-like oppresion

Aid groups: S.Sudan soldiers targeting aid workers

JUBA, Sudan — Aid officials say Southern Sudanese troops are behind a spike in attacks on humanitarian workers, including the looting of food.

Aid workers are increasingly concerned that access to needy populations may be further restricted as a January vote on independence for the south approaches. The U.N. says 4 million people in Southern Sudan — half the population — rely on food aid.

The Sudan People’s Liberation Army denies it is deliberately hindering humanitarian work, but there are indications that troops are making aid work difficult in regions opposed to the Juba-based government.

Aid reports show that southern Sudanese troops have taken part in 80 incidents of obstruction, vehicle hijackings or harassment of staff since February.