Nearly 40,000 displaced as clashes rage in South Sudan's Upper Nile

By Benjamin Takpiny

JUBA, South Sudan (AA) – Clashes between armed groups in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state have displaced an estimated 40,000 people in less than a month, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

From Nov. 17 to Dec. 9, fighting between tribal militias forced somewhere between 22,000 to 40,000 people from their homes in the town of Kodok, the UNOCHA said in a report.

“The conflict further expanded to other counties increasing the numbers of people affected. The situation is dynamic, and the threat of violence remains which hampers the humanitarian response,” the report warned.

“The humanitarian community in South Sudan is appalled by the continuous violence that has a devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of ordinary women, men and children – those vulnerable who are already affected by the dire humanitarian situation in the country suffer most,” Peter Van der Auweraert, acting humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, told Anadolu Agency.

He said humanitarian agencies “are working tirelessly, around the clock, on multiple frontlines to provide the newly displaced people with critical supplies and services.”

“People need food, access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, primary healthcare, protection, mental health and psychosocial support,” he said.

“Hostilities must cease immediately to reduce human suffering and prevent further loss of innocent lives.”

Van der Auweraert urged local authorities to “ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian partners to all those in need.”

Jesper Moller, acting UNICEF representative in South Sudan, termed the situation in Upper Nile “deeply disturbing and alarming.”

“Grave human rights violations are being reported against children and women, along with increasing numbers of deaths and injuries. Children have been separated from their families, and schools have become shelter for those fleeing for their lives,” he said in a statement.

“No violence against children is justifiable and we must see an end to the fighting – children’s lives depend on it.”

He said the UN and other agencies “are on the ground and will continue to provide lifesaving services for children and families to minimize injuries, and disease and protect lives and well-being of children.”​​​​​​​