UN Reports Surge in Violence Victims in South Sudan, Urges Immediate Action

The United Nations has released a report detailing a concerning surge in violence affecting civilians in South Sudan, particularly attributed to intercommunal conflicts. According to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), incidents of violence rose by 35% in the final quarter of 2023 compared to the previous period, with 862 individuals impacted.

The report highlights that 406 people were killed, 293 injured, 100 abducted, and 63 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence during this period. Warrap state emerged as a major hotspot, experiencing an 87% increase in victims. Retaliatory attacks related to a dispute between Dinka Twic Mayardit and Dinka Ngok communities were cited as a significant cause.

Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, emphasized the urgent need for intervention by authorities at national, state, and local levels to address underlying grievances and foster peace. He underscored the organization’s efforts to prevent violence but stressed the crucial role of government action.

The report also noted a 54% increase in abduction victims and highlighted the persistent threat of sexual and gender-based violence, despite a 20% decrease in victims compared to the previous quarter.

South Sudan, already grappling with ethnic tensions and resource disputes, faces a dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing violence. The World Food Program warns of worsening conditions due to economic instability, climate change, and an influx of refugees from neighboring Sudan.

The international community, including a Catholic bishop in South Sudan, has called for urgent assistance to alleviate the suffering of civilians. With elections scheduled later this year, there are hopes that political stability can be restored following a civil war that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives since 2013.

In a recent visit to South Sudan, Pope Francis urged reconciliation and peace, emphasizing the need to reject violence and embrace love and sincerity. However, with millions displaced and communities facing starvation, immediate action is imperative to prevent further loss of life and mitigate the humanitarian crisis engulfing the nation.