Escalating Violence in South Sudan Displaces 50,000 Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Recent clashes in South Sudan have displaced 50,000 individuals, primarily due to conflicts between President Kiir’s forces and First Vice President Machar’s factions. OCHA reports an increased vulnerability for local communities and the cessation of life-saving services, amidst rising cholera cases. Tensions threaten the fragile peace established in 2018, with humanitarian access urgently needed to support affected populations.
Clashes in South Sudan, predominantly involving forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, have led to the displacement of 50,000 individuals since February, as reported by a UN agency. The conflict is primarily concentrated in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, which poses a significant threat to the existing fragile peace-sharing agreement between the two leaders.
Tensions in the region, according to Anita Kiki Gbeho from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), have significantly exacerbated the vulnerability of local communities, ceasing essential life-saving services. Recent violence included an airstrike conducted by the South Sudanese government that resulted in the death of at least 20 people, including children, as stated by area commissioner James Gatluak.
OCHA indicated that approximately 10,000 of the displaced individuals have crossed into Ethiopia and that 23 humanitarian workers have evacuated the area, leading to the closure of a cholera treatment unit in Nasir. Gbeho emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian access, stating, “I urge all actors to allow humanitarians to safely reach those in need, especially women, children, and the elderly.”
The ongoing fighting jeopardizes a peace deal established in 2018, following a five-year civil war that claimed around 400,000 lives. Kiir’s supporters have accused Machar’s forces of inciting unrest in the region, allegedly collaborating with the White Army, an armed group associated with Machar’s Nuer ethnic community. The situation escalated earlier this month when around 6,000 White Army combatants overtook a military base in Nasir, resulting in casualties, including fatalities from a UN rescue operation.
The recent clashes in South Sudan have led to a significant humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands and threatening the stability of peace agreements. With essential services suspended and the risk of cholera rising, urgent humanitarian access and effective conflict resolution measures are critical to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. The situation remains dire as tensions between political factions persist, endangering efforts for national reconciliation.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
