from ANYANG GARANG in Juba, South Sudan
South Sudan Bureau
KHARTOUM, (CAJ News) – ARMED conflict since late December does not bode well for South Sudan in an election year for the world’s newest country.
Conflict has intensified between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-iO).
Fighting combined with airstrikes in Ayod, Duk, Nyirol and Uror counties has triggered mass displacement and a worsening humanitarian crisis across Jonglei State, which has been declared a no-fly zone.
Civilians and aid workers face increasing danger as humanitarian operations remain severely disrupted.
Tensions remain extremely high
Both warring parties have ordered civilians and aid personnel to leave affected areas.
Looting and confiscation of humanitarian assets, reportedly by both parties, have forced the suspension of essential health services for thousands.
Ongoing conflict and displacement are driving escalating humanitarian needs, while disrupted services leave children, pregnant women, and people with chronic or life-threatening conditions at acute risk.
This week, Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, warned of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and protection situation in Jonglei State adding that the situation was compounding an already severe humanitarian crisis marked by food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and the aftermath of catastrophic floods.
“Innocent civilians must be protected,” said Gbeho in a statement.
“All parties must immediately end the violence, de-escalate tensions and guarantee safe, unhindered humanitarian access to those in desperate need.”
South Sudan has been mired in conflict since independence in 2011 from the mainland, after a referendum.
General elections are due to be held in December, the first since independence.
– CAJ News