Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is condemning the government of South Sudan for its decision to expel the UN deputy representative in the conflict-torn country.
The UN chief called on the government today to immediately reverse its decision to expel Toby Lanzer, saying he "has been instrumental in addressing the increasing humanitarian needs of conflict-affected communities in the country and ensuring that life-saving humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable," Ban's spokesman said.
Lanzer, who is the humanitarian coordinator, is coming to the end of his term and UN officials said he is out of the country.
Ban announced Friday that Eugene Owusu of Ghana would succeed him.
The secretary-general urged the government "to cooperate fully with all United Nations entities present in South Sudan," the spokesman said.
