Clashes in South Sudan Result in Displacement of 50,000 Individuals

Clashes in South Sudan have displaced over 50,000 individuals since February amid escalating tensions between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The violence threatens a fragile peace agreement, endangering vulnerable communities and hindering humanitarian efforts.

Recent clashes in South Sudan have displaced at least 50,000 individuals, as reported by a United Nations agency. These conflicts, which have erupted between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, primarily in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, pose a threat to the already delicate peace-sharing agreement established in 2018.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) emphasized that escalating violence is exacerbating the vulnerability of affected communities, jeopardizing essential services. Anita Kiki Gbeho, an OCHA official, highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian access, particularly for women, children, and the elderly, amid the chaos.

An airstrike by the South Sudanese government on March 17 resulted in the death of over 20 individuals, including children, according to local authorities. The situation has driven approximately 10,000 displaced persons into Ethiopia and led to the withdrawal of 23 humanitarian workers from the area, alongside the closure of a crucial cholera treatment facility.

The ongoing fighting has rekindled fears of a resurgence of hostilities reminiscent of the five-year civil war between Kiir and Machar, which resulted in an estimated 400,000 fatalities. Just this month, tensions heightened when a significant number of White Army combatants, allied with Machar’s forces, overtook a military base in Nasir. Unfortunately, an attempted rescue operation by the United Nations resulted in casualties, including the death of a U.N. helicopter pilot and a senior South Sudanese general.

In summary, the recent clashes in South Sudan have led to significant human displacement, raising humanitarian concerns. The conflict not only threatens the fragile peace established in 2018 but also jeopardizes the welfare of vulnerable populations in the region. Immediate intervention and safe humanitarian access are critical in addressing the dire situation faced by affected communities.

Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com