Clashes in South Sudan have displaced over 50,000 people amidst escalating violence between President Kiir’s and Vice President Machar’s forces. The unrest, which has led to civilian casualties and the suspension of humanitarian services, jeopardizes a fragile peace agreement from 2018, posing significant risks to vulnerable communities.
Recent clashes in South Sudan have resulted in the displacement of at least 50,000 individuals, as reported by the United Nations. The unrest, stemming from conflicts between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar in the northwest region, poses a significant threat to a delicate peace-sharing agreement established in 2018.
The situation in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, has worsened, with increased violence leading to the suspension of essential humanitarian services. “The violence is putting already vulnerable communities at greater risk and forcing the suspension of life-saving services,” stated Anita Kiki Gbeho from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
On March 17, aerial bombardment by the South Sudanese military resulted in at least 20 fatalities, including children. OCHA also noted that 10,000 displaced individuals sought refuge in Ethiopia, and 23 humanitarian workers had to evacuate the area, with a cholera treatment center in Nasir being closed.
“I urge all actors to allow humanitarians to safely reach those in need, especially women, children, and the elderly,” Gbeho emphasized. Additionally, Doctors Without Borders reported 1,300 cases of cholera in Akobo County, reflecting the deteriorating health conditions in the region.
The ongoing fighting jeopardizes the fragile 2018 peace accord between Kiir and Machar, who previously engaged in a civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities. Allegations have arisen against Machar’s forces for instigating disturbances in Nasir, in association with the White Army, a group of armed youths linked to Machar’s Nuer ethnic community. Recently, tensions heightened with an attack by around 6,000 White Army combatants on a military camp in Nasir, leading to a U.N. rescue attempt that tragically resulted in the death of a U.N. helicopter pilot.
The recent conflict in South Sudan has caused significant displacement and escalated humanitarian crises in the region. The fighting threatens to unravel peace agreements and complicate the delivery of crucial services to vulnerable populations. Immediate actions are necessary to mitigate the worsening conditions and facilitate humanitarian assistance to the affected communities.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
