In an interview, Lt. Gen. Mohan Subramanian, UNMISS Force Commander, warned of South Sudan’s precarious situation nearing civil war. He emphasized protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid for a population heavily reliant on assistance. Additional challenges stem from refugee inflow and misinformation, which UNMISS is actively working to counter.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Mohan Subramanian, highlighted the critical situation in South Sudan, stating it is on the brink of civil war. He emphasized the country’s history of turmoil, having experienced two civil wars prior to and two after its independence, and underscored the need to prevent further suffering among the population.
Subramanian outlined UNMISS’s primary mission—to protect civilians caught in conflict, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs). With approximately 9.3 million out of a total population of 12-13 million reliant on humanitarian assistance, ensuring aid delivery is vital as many face acute needs that threaten their survival.
He addressed the challenges posed by an influx of refugees, noting that while South Sudan has welcomed many, it struggles to provide for them amid its own impoverished conditions. With 1.1 million additional individuals requiring aid, the urgency mounts as global funding decreases, risking a shift from humanitarian to security crises.
Additionally, Subramanian warned of the dangers of misinformation, which could incite panic and violence in vulnerable areas. To combat this issue, UNMISS has established an information integrity working group tasked with monitoring and responding to false narratives. This proactive approach aims to maintain peace and prevent further conflict escalation in South Sudan.
In summary, Lt. Gen. Mohan Subramanian’s interview highlights the dire humanitarian and security situation in South Sudan. With a significant portion of the population dependent on aid and an escalating risk of civil war, the protection of civilians and effective humanitarian assistance remain top priorities. The threat of misinformation further complicates these efforts, prompting the establishment of dedicated measures to foster information integrity. All these factors underscore the urgent need for international support and stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: media.un.org
