Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian warns that South Sudan is close to civil war, emphasizing the necessity to stop further violence and protect civilians. He highlights the urgent need for humanitarian aid amid worsening conditions due to refugee influx and misinformation, which could escalate tensions. UNMISS remains committed to its mission despite these challenges.
The Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian, provided insights into the escalating situation in South Sudan, warning that it is nearing a potential civil war. In an interview on April 16, 2025, he highlighted the country’s history of conflict, noting that it has experienced two civil wars both prior to and following its independence, emphasizing the population’s exhaustion from prolonged suffering.
Lieutenant General Subramanian stressed that amid increasing clashes and violence, the primary mission of UNMISS is to protect innocent civilians, particularly internally displaced persons who are vulnerable. He underlined the urgency of this mandate given that approximately 9.3 million individuals out of a total population of 12-13 million rely on humanitarian aid, with 7.2 million facing acute needs.
Furthermore, the Force Commander addressed the additional burden on South Sudan’s resources due to the influx of refugees from neighboring countries, commending the nation for its humanitarian openness. However, he cautioned that with the current population’s dire circumstances, including 1.1 million new aid seekers, the dwindling international funding could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, which could devolve into security threats.
Subramanian noted the critical nature of preemptive measures, as UNMISS is strategically deploying forces to mitigate potential escalations into violence. He also acknowledged the rising concern of misinformation, which could provoke panic among displaced populations, leading to violence. To counter this threat, UNMISS has established an information integrity working group tasked with monitoring social media and addressing misinformation as it arises.
In summary, the interview with Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian underscores the precarious situation in South Sudan, marked by historical conflict and current humanitarian crises heightened by an influx of refugees. The UNMISS mandate remains focused on protecting vulnerable civilians while facilitating humanitarian aid amidst deteriorating conditions. The challenge posed by misinformation further complicates the efforts to maintain peace, necessitating vigilant monitoring and responsive measures.
Original Source: media.un.org
