The United Nations’ top humanitarian official in South Sudan expressed deep concern this week over a rapid surge in violence that has triggered a worsening humanitarian crisis and forced more than 125,000 people to flee their homes.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, visited the city of Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile state, where she heard firsthand accounts of civilian suffering — including stories from women and children who have been directly affected by the ongoing conflict.
Since early March, intense clashes and artillery shelling between rival factions have left at least 180 people dead and more than 250 injured, according to a U.N. statement. The violence has also severely disrupted humanitarian operations, with four aid workers killed and six health facilities forced to close due to targeted attacks.
“These attacks are blatant violations of international humanitarian law and directly threaten the ability of aid agencies to deliver lifesaving assistance,” Gbeho said.
The violence has also included reports of sexual assaults against women and girls, the U.N. said, adding to the already immense burden on vulnerable communities. The use of civilians as human shields and widespread displacement has turned daily life into what Gbeho described as an “undeclared war” on the people of South Sudan.
Compounding the crisis are mounting restrictions on humanitarian access to conflict-affected regions, which have hindered aid delivery and forced agencies to scale back operations.
South Sudan has remained mired in conflict since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. Despite the signing of a peace deal in 2013, clashes between government forces and armed groups have persisted, preventing any lasting stability.
Gbeho urged all parties to the conflict to immediately stop targeting civilians and humanitarian workers and called on the international community to increase support for relief efforts.
“This is a rapidly deteriorating situation,” she said. “Millions are already living in poverty, hunger and fear. Without urgent intervention, the toll on human lives will only grow.”
