South Sudan violence escalates amid growing humanitarian concerns

Renewed Violence in South Sudan Displaces Hundreds of Thousands

A recent surge in violence between government forces and opposition fighters has led to a significant increase in displacement, with hundreds of thousands of people forced to flee their homes. According to the United Nations, approximately 280,000 people have been displaced since late December, including over 235,000 in Jonglei state alone.

The UN’s children agency, UNICEF, has warned that more than 450,000 children are at risk of acute malnutrition due to mass displacement and disruptions to medical services. Nearly 10 million people across South Sudan require life-saving humanitarian assistance.

Humanitarian operations have been hindered by attacks, looting, and restrictions on movement. The World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended its activities in Baliet county, Upper Nile state, following repeated attacks on a convoy carrying humanitarian aid. Medical humanitarian NGO Doctors Without Borders reported that a hospital in Jonglei was hit by a government air attack, marking the 10th such incident in 12 months.

The organization also stated that two of its hospitals were forced to close due to targeted attacks and the suspension of general healthcare activities in several states. Reporting from a displacement camp in Bor, Jonglei state, Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb described instances of sexual violence against women who fled the area.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the escalating violence, urging all parties to halt military operations, de-escalate tensions through dialogue, and protect civilians. The international community is also growing concerned about the potential for increased rates of sexual violence in the conflict zone.

Source: Al Jazeera