The United Nations has reported that at least 13 internally displaced people were killed in violent clashes that erupted within a UN Protection of Civilians (PoC) camp in South Sudan. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for a swift response from the government and other relevant parties to quell the situation and ensure the safety of vulnerable civilians living in the camp.
Sources within UNMISS said that the fighting broke out between two groups of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the camp, leaving dozens of people injured and several others still missing. The precise cause of the conflict remains unknown, but preliminary investigations suggest that the violence was triggered by a dispute between the two groups.
UNMISS and humanitarian partners on the ground are working round-the-clock to ensure the provision of emergency medical assistance to the injured and strengthening the camp’s security measures to prevent any further escalation of violence. UNMISS is also keeping a close eye on the situation and monitoring any signs of communal tension in other PoC sites across the country.
South Sudan has been plagued by civil war for nearly a decade, with millions of people being forced to flee their homes to escape the violence. The UN PoC camps were established to offer sanctuary to the most vulnerable IDPs – women, children, and the elderly – who have nowhere else to go.
In a statement, UNMISS expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians’ safety and security in its PoC sites. “The United Nations will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that it fulfills its mandate and presses for a lasting solution to the crisis in South Sudan,” the statement reads.
The ongoing conflict in South Sudan has led to widespread displacement, food insecurity, and human rights abuses, and has created what the UN terms ‘one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world’. As the crisis continues, it is the vulnerable civilians who bear the brunt of the violence, making it imperative for stakeholders to address the root causes of the conflict comprehensively.
The international community has urged the South Sudanese government and opposition groups to cease hostilities and support the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement. The agreement, signed between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar, provided a framework for lasting peace in the country, but its implementation has been slow, and violence continues to hinder relief efforts for IDPs and other vulnerable populations.
In response to the recent flare-up in violence, UNMISS called for swift action from the Government of South Sudan and all other involved parties. The agency urges the government to strengthen its efforts to disarm armed groups, reinforce the rule of law, and address the root causes of communal violence in the country.
As the world observes the tragic loss of lives in South Sudan, it remains crucial for the international community, regional organizations, and the government to strengthen their commitment to restoring peace and stability in the beleaguered nation. With continuous efforts towards peace, building trust among different communities, and empowering civil society, the hope remains for South Sudan to transition from violence to lasting peace and development.