At least 50,000 people are fleeing the conflict in Nasir, Upper Nile State, in the Greater Upper Nile region, according to the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), citing UN sources.
The NPA stated that the UN reported approximately 50,000 people had fled due to the conflict, adding that lifesaving responses have had to be put on hold.
The independent membership-based organization also highlighted credible reports of civilian casualties in a report published on its website.
The conflict began in early March between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army. It has escalated over time, resulting in devastating consequences, including the deaths of a UN staff member and a military general during an evacuation on March 7.
Nasir, located on the northern side of the Sobat River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Ethiopian border, was bombed from the air on the night of March 17.
The report quotes NPA Director for Development and Humanitarian Cooperation, Gry Ballestad, expressing concern over the fate of the 2018 peace agreement.
“For almost 40 years, we have worked in solidarity with the South Sudanese people through war, peace, and the country’s independence in 2011. We are concerned about the fate of the peace agreement, R-ARCISS [Revitalized Agreement], but the main reason we are now reacting is because we are once again witnessing civilians losing loved ones and being forced to flee their homes,” Ballestad said.
The NPA has urged all parties to the conflict to respect and protect civilian lives, particularly those of children.