UNHCR Reports Over 10,000 Escaping Violence in South Sudan to Ethiopia

The UNHCR reports that violence in South Sudan has displaced over 10,000 people into Ethiopia, with significant casualties and challenges faced by local authorities in providing assistance. The situation has escalated since early March, particularly in Nasir, prompting urgent calls for more resources to support the growing number of displaced individuals.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported a significant escalation of violence in South Sudan, particularly in the northern counties of Nasir and Ulang. This turmoil has prompted over 10,000 individuals to seek refuge in Ethiopia, marking an increase from approximately 6,900 just days earlier. Local authorities are reportedly tracking and assisting these displaced individuals, who are dispersed across communities in Burbiey and Matar areas.

Since March 3, the situation in Nasir, a strategically vital town, has deteriorated, leading to heightened conflict and the arrest of senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition. Initial reports indicate that more than 20 lives have been lost, with several others injured during the violence at the South Sudan-Ethiopia border.

In a tragic incident on March 7, a UN evacuation mission was attacked, resulting in the deaths of a general, numerous soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, and a UN personnel by the White Army militia allied with the opposition. UNHCR indicated that the violence had already displaced tens of thousands within South Sudan, with reports of 50,000 newly displaced individuals in Nasir and an additional 34,000 in Ulang.

Many new arrivals in Ethiopia are crossing through Wanthoa and are seeking accommodation in host communities or makeshift shelters. Andrew Mbogori, UNHCR’s representative in Ethiopia, emphasized the urgent need for more resources to support the growing number of displaced individuals, as the border areas’ capacity is greatly strained.

To address this crisis, UNHCR teams are actively implementing risk assessments and mitigation measures to better manage the situation on the ground. The worsening conditions necessitate immediate and comprehensive assistance to ensure adequate support for the displaced populations.

In conclusion, the mounting violence in South Sudan has led to the rapid displacement of over 10,000 individuals into Ethiopia, with local authorities overwhelmed by the influx. The situation in Nasir has intensified, resulting in casualties and increased humanitarian needs. Urgent assistance and resource allocation are critical to effectively address the challenges faced by displaced communities as the crisis continues to evolve.

Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz