Escalating Clashes in South Sudan Displace Thousands, Threaten Peace

Clashes between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar in South Sudan have displaced at least 50,000 people since February. This violence threatens the stability of the 2018 peace agreement and heightens public health risks, including a cholera outbreak. An appeal has been made for safe humanitarian access to those affected.

According to a recent report from the United Nations, at least 50,000 individuals have been displaced in South Sudan since February due to escalating clashes between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar in the northwest region. The situation in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, raises concerns regarding the stability of an already fragile peace-sharing agreement that was established to mitigate conflict.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, an official from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in South Sudan, emphasized that the violence is exacerbating the vulnerability of local communities and leading to the suspension of critical life-saving services. The urgency of the situation was highlighted when, on March 17, an airstrike conducted by the South Sudanese government resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, including children, as reported by area commissioner James Gatluak.

OCHA has confirmed that approximately 10,000 displaced residents have crossed into Ethiopia in search of safety. Furthermore, the conflict has also led to the evacuation of 23 humanitarian workers from the area and the closure of a cholera treatment unit in Nasir, worsening public health risks.

In response to the escalating crisis, Gbeho called for all parties involved to facilitate safe access for humanitarian efforts, particularly for vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly. Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have recently reported 1,300 cholera cases in Akobo County, further compounding the public health situation in Upper Nile.

The ongoing violence threatens the 2018 peace agreement between Kiir and Machar, who previously engaged in a civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths. Accusations have been exchanged, with Kiir’s supporters alleging that Machar’s forces are collaborating with the White Army, a group of armed youths from Machar’s ethnic community, complicating the conflict further. Earlier this month, tensions escalated significantly when an estimated 6,000 White Army combatants attacked a military encampment in Nasir, leading to a tragic UN rescue attempt that resulted in casualties, including a U.N. helicopter pilot and a high-ranking South Sudanese general.

In summary, the ongoing clashes in South Sudan have led to a significant humanitarian crisis, displacing over 50,000 individuals. The violence not only threatens the fragile peace agreement established in 2018 but also exacerbates public health risks, with rising cholera cases reported. The international community must respond urgently to facilitate humanitarian access and mitigate the escalating violence that endangers the lives of vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com