Escalating Clashes in South Sudan Displace Thousands Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Clashes in South Sudan have displaced 50,000 people, with warnings from UN officials about a possible return to civil war. Rising violence in the Upper Nile State threatens peace agreements. Humanitarian efforts are severely impacted, with reports of cholera outbreaks and decreased aid funding adding to the crisis.
Significant clashes between rival factions in South Sudan have displaced at least 50,000 individuals since February, as reported by a United Nations agency. The chief UN representative in the country warned that South Sudan is on the verge of descending back into civil war, a severe concern given the fragile peace-sharing accord in place between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
The ongoing violence, particularly in the Upper Nile State—where tensions have escalated—endangers already vulnerable communities and has resulted in a suspension of critical humanitarian services. Anita Kiki Gbeho from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated that this unrest exacerbates the risk faced by local populations.
Recent events included an air strike by government forces in Nasir County that claimed the lives of at least 20 individuals, including children, as confirmed by local commissioner James Gatluak. Additionally, around 10,000 displaced individuals have sought refuge in Ethiopia. The humanitarian response has also been impacted, as 23 aid workers were compelled to evacuate the region, further straining resources.
UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom expressed grave concerns, asserting that South Sudan is “poised on the brink of relapse into civil war,” cautioning that the situation could undo years of efforts toward establishing peace. He highlighted the urgent need to deescalate tensions, noting the disastrous situation unfolding in neighboring Sudan as a stark warning.
Reports of cholera outbreaks have recently emerged, with Doctors Without Borders documenting 1,300 cases in Akobo County, Upper Nile. Relief operations are challenged by significant reductions in USAID funding, raising serious concerns among medical staff about their capability to provide adequate care for the growing number of patients.
The ongoing violence jeopardizes a 2018 peace agreement between Kiir and Machar, which was established following a devastating civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths. Allegations of unrest instigated by Machar’s forces, in alliance with the White Army, have fueled hostilities further. Recent skirmishes, including an assault by approximately 6,000 White Army fighters on a military position in Nasir, underline the precarious situation, which has already led to casualties during a UN rescue attempt.
In conclusion, the situation in South Sudan remains dire as inter-factional clashes have led to considerable displacement and heightened risks for local communities. The potential regression into civil war could unravel previous peace efforts, necessitating immediate actions to reduce tensions. The humanitarian crisis, compounded by diseases and insufficient resources, calls for global attention and support to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
