The humanitarian community on Thursday called for the immediate cessation of hostilities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), saying the violent clashes in South Sudan intensify the humanitarian situation.

A statement from the UNOCHA states that an estimated 30,000 people have been displaced by the violent clashes in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. 

"On 24 December, armed young men from Jonglei State attacked communities in parts of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. The violence has led to cattle raiding, the destruction of properties, and the displacement of thousands of people. Some 5,000 internally displaced people, including women and children, have arrived in Pibor town after fleeing the conflict areas of Gumuruk and Lekuangole," the statement reads in part. 

Ms. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, said: “People have suffered enough. Civilians – especially those most vulnerable – women, children, the elderly, and the disabled – bear the brunt of this prolonged crisis." 

The statement further notes that the recent violent outbreak follows another massive displacement of civilians which was triggered by fighting in mid-November 2022 in Fashoda County, Upper Nile State, and that the UN response was still ongoing.

Ms. Hamida R. Lasseko, UNICEF Representative in South Sudan expressed her grave concern, following a mission to Malakal, Upper Nile State to assess the ongoing humanitarian operations noted that the escalation of violence in areas across the country has left some vulnerable people fleeing for safety in various directions in desperate need of support.

She said the recent fighting puts a strain on the humanitarian support for the vulnerable. 

“This puts additional strain on the humanitarian response and resources. We are forced to prioritize immediate lifesaving needs of the newly displaced population”, Ms. Lasseko added.

“The violence must stop. The whole humanitarian community calls upon all armed elements to immediately cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians and humanitarian workers,” said Ms. Nyanti. “Impunity is a perpetuating factor and root cause for conflict and insecurity. There must be accountability,” she stressed.