Clashes in South Sudan have displaced over 50,000 individuals since February, endangering an ongoing power-sharing agreement. The UN and various Western nations are advocating for dialogue between rival leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar to prevent further escalation. Recent violent incidents, including an air strike, have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, prompting calls for urgent intervention.
Recent clashes in South Sudan have resulted in the displacement of at least 50,000 individuals since February, as reported by the United Nations. The conflict primarily involves forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, jeopardizing a fragile power-sharing agreement between the two factions.
Tensions have escalated, leading to the detention of over 20 of Machar’s allies, which includes key government and military officials. Anita Kiki Gbeho from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that this violence endangers vulnerable communities and disrupts essential life-saving services.
In response to the crisis, a coalition of Western embassies, including representatives from the United States and the European Union, has urged for dialogue between Kiir and Machar, offering to facilitate their discussions. A recent air strike conducted by the South Sudanese government in Nasir County claimed the lives of at least 20 people, according to local authorities.
OCHA has reported that 10,000 displaced individuals have sought refuge in Ethiopia. Additionally, 23 humanitarian workers have exited the region, and a cholera treatment unit in Nasir has been shut down. Nicholas Haysom, the head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), cautioned that the country is on the verge of potentially relapsing into civil war, drawing parallels with the dire situation in neighboring Sudan. He emphasized the critical need for de-escalation of tensions before further conflict arises.
The ongoing violence in South Sudan has led to significant humanitarian concerns, displacing thousands and threatening peace agreements. The international community has expressed a commitment to mediate discussions between the conflicting parties to avert an escalation into civil war. The situation remains critical, underscoring the need for urgent action and intervention to safeguard vulnerable populations and restore peace in the region.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
