The world's youngest country, South Sudan, is facing continued instability and violence as military escalation looms, following reports earlier this week that a senior army commander had called on troops to inflict indiscriminate violence against civilians in Jonglei state.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is sounding the alarm over the threat of escalating violence in Jonglei state which is putting lives at risk and further weakening prospects for peace.
Despite reductions in the overall number of conflict-related incidents in South Sudan, a rise in abductions and sexual violence is concerning, the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, UNMISS, said on Friday.
The tensions are concentrated in South Sudans Jonglei State, where many deaths and injuries have been reported in response to renewed fighting between opposition militia and army forces, leading to the displacement of 180,000 people.
According to news reports, the army launched a major offensive in Jonglei against opposition forces, ordering civilian evacuations on Sunday and telling aid agencies to leave areas where military operations are ongoing.
Secretary-GeneralAntnio Guterressaid in a statement released on Thursday by his Spokesperson that he isdeeply concerned regarding the impact of the escalating violence, adding that it will further harm civilian populations who are already in a vulnerable situation.
Aid and protection at risk
Mr Guterres emphasised the need to prioritise the protection of civilians and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and security in a country wheretwo-thirdsof the population are projected to require some form of aid.
Calling on the military operations to stop, the Secretary-General urged the Government of South Sudan and opposition forces totake immediate and decisive action to halt all military operations and deescalate the situation through inclusive dialogue.
Political solution
In the wake of a 2018 peace agreement between the president and his vice-presidential rival and following the establishment of a Revitalised Transitional Government in February 2020, elections have continued to be postponed.
Mr Guterress statement reminded relevant parties to find a political not military solution and pave the way for a path to credible elections.
The Secretary-General has welcomed efforts from the African Union and East African regional bloc IGAD in their support for inclusive dialogue.
