Clashes in South Sudan have displaced at least 50,000 people since February, prompting Western nations to offer mediation. Tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar threaten a fragile power-sharing agreement, with significant humanitarian concerns arising from violence and arrests of Machar’s allies.
Recent clashes in South Sudan have resulted in the displacement of at least 50,000 individuals since February, according to the United Nations. The escalating tensions are primarily occurring in the northeastern Upper Nile State, where forces aligned with President Salva Kiir are opposing those of First Vice President Riek Machar. This situation threatens to undermine the fragile power-sharing agreement currently in place.
In light of the violence, over 20 associates of Machar, including key government and military figures, have been detained recently. Anita Kiki Gbeho, a representative of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in South Sudan, stated that “the violence is putting already vulnerable communities at greater risk and forcing the suspension of life-saving services.”
A coalition of Western embassies, which includes representatives from the United States and the European Union, has called for dialogue between Kiir and Machar, offering to assist in their discussions. An airstrike by the South Sudanese government in Nasir County, a stronghold for Machar’s supporters, reportedly resulted in at least 20 deaths, including children, as confirmed by area commissioner James Gatluak.
OCHA further reported that approximately 10,000 displaced individuals have crossed into Ethiopia, and humanitarian efforts have been hampered, with 23 aid workers evacuating the region and a cholera treatment unit ceasing operations in Nasir. The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, expressed concern over the country’s potential reversion to civil conflict, emphasizing the urgency to de-escalate unrest, stating that “this region cannot afford another conflict.”
The ongoing clashes in South Sudan have resulted in significant displacement and heightened tensions between governmental factions. The international community, particularly Western nations, is looking to mediate in order to prevent further violence and humanitarian crises. The situation remains precarious, with the potential for large-scale conflict if diplomatic efforts do not succeed.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
