Translated with AI
Military tensions between government forces and opposition groups in South Sudan are rapidly escalating, with the country facing the prospect of a humanitarian catastrophe. Acting Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Anita Kiki Gbeho, stated this at a press briefing at United Nations headquarters in New York.
According to her, Jonglei State has become a flashpoint, where civilians are caught in the crossfire. The UN representative, who also serves as the resident coordinator in the country, reported that this month alone, more than 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the conflict.
Gbeho also warned of the spread of cholera. According to her, over 500 cases have been registered across the country this month. Meanwhile, treatment centers are overcrowded and experiencing severe shortages of medications and other essential supplies.
Although humanitarian operations continue, they are significantly hampered. Access to the affected areas is hampered by road and river restrictions, hindering aid delivery and medical evacuations.
South Sudan, the world's newest state, gained independence in 2011, but soon afterward the country plunged into civil war. Fighting erupted between forces loyal to the national army led by President Salva Kiir and supporters of the main opposition leader, Riek Machar, who is currently on trial on serious charges, including murder, which he denies.
After opposition forces made some gains, government troops launched an offensive in three counties in Jonglei State this week. All civilians and humanitarian workers were urged to evacuate.
According to Gbeho, humanitarian facilities are being looted and destroyed, including at least seven in Jonglei, and aid workers are being intimidated. UN peacekeepers are also facing similar difficulties.
UNMISS noted that the disruption of humanitarian aid deliveries and peacebuilding efforts has left civilians suffering the most. The mission emphasized that the country is ripe for a humanitarian catastrophe.
Speaking via video link from South Sudan, Gbeho said that despite the release of $10 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund, more assistance was needed.
She stressed that the priorities remain the cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and the preservation of the peace process, as well as cooperation with the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to restore commitment to the 2018 peace agreement.
Recalling the words of the UN Secretary-General, Gbeho stated that the solution to the current crisis must be political, not military. She called on South Sudan's leaders to take urgent action to end the fighting, reduce tensions through inclusive dialogue, and return to consensus-based decision-making.
In conclusion, she emphasized that only the South Sudanese themselves can change the situation for the better, calling the current stage a defining moment and a critical crossroads for the country. According to her, decisions made now could lead South Sudan either to peace or to further escalation of the conflict.
