Clashes in South Sudan have displaced 50,000 people since February, with ongoing violence affecting humanitarian efforts and threatening a fragile peace agreement between political leaders Kiir and Machar. The conflict has resulted in casualties, disruption of essential services, and substantial displacement, notably pushing thousands into Ethiopia.
Clashes in South Sudan have led to the displacement of at least 50,000 individuals since February, primarily in the northwest region, according to a recent U.N. report. The ongoing violence involves forces aligned with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, which jeopardizes a precarious peace-sharing agreement that was meant to stabilize the country.
Anita Kiki Gbeho from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted that the clashes exacerbate the vulnerability of local communities, disrupting essential services. She emphasized that the ongoing unrest is severely impacting people’s safety, particularly those most in need, like women and children.
Recently, an aerial attack by the South Sudanese government resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, including children, in Nasir County. Furthermore, around 10,000 people from this area have fled to Ethiopia for safety. The humanitarian crisis has also forced 23 aid workers to evacuate, closing access to crucial health facilities, such as a cholera treatment unit.
The conflict threatens to unravel a peace deal initiated in 2018 that ended a five-year civil war, which claimed around 400,000 lives. Accusations have arisen between Kiir’s allies and Machar’s forces, suggesting a coalition with the White Army, a group of armed youths from the Nuer ethnic community, contributing to the escalating violence.
Tensions rose sharply earlier this month when approximately 6,000 combatants from the White Army attacked a military base, complicating the security situation further. An attempted rescue operation by the United Nations unfortunately led to the tragic deaths of both a U.N. helicopter pilot and a high-ranking South Sudanese general, illustrating the dangerous environment humanitarian workers face in the region.
The ongoing clashes in South Sudan highlight the fragility of peace and the significant humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. With tens of thousands displaced and critical services disrupted, the need for stability and humanitarian access is urgent. The situation exemplifies the severe repercussions of political rivalry and armed conflict, emphasizing the requirement for international attention and support for affected communities.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
