The number of people displaced by the recent crisis in South Sudan is still growing. On Tuesday at least 1,500 people ran to the UN compound in Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile. The city is caught in a crossfire between rivaling parts of the 7th Division of the army. Around 20,000 are hosted in the UN compounds in Juba, 17,000 in Bor, 7,000 in Bentiu and thousands in other locations. The people have left the UN compound in Pibor. Close to 29,000 displaced people ended up in Awerial County, Lakes State.
UNOCHA, coordinating the humanitarian efforts, says in its humanitarian update report, that given the limited access to civilians outside population centers, the number of displaced is likely to be significantly higher.
Leaving South Sudan
According to UNOCHA large numbers of people have been seen leaving Juba, including many people moving towards Nimule on the border with Uganda. Many have crossed into Kenya, Sudan and Uganda, and aid agencies are mobilizing to monitor these population flows more closely, to ensure that people are assisted where necessary.
Unity State
The situation is increasingly tense in Bentiu, with military mobilisations reported and sporadic fighting. Some 7,000 people are sheltering in the UNMISS base. Aid workers have also been pulled out of Yida and Ajoung Thok refugee sites. In Bentiu, UNMISS peacekeeping troops remain in place, the other staff was evacuated.
Upper Nile State
The situation is fragile in Upper Nile State as the UNOCHA says there are credible reports of grave abuses committed against civilians in different parts of the country, including killings. Some of these abuses have reportedly been tied to the ethnic identity of the victims.
In Nasir reportedly throughout the night the youth were singing and dancing celebrating the arrival of a famous army commander and former County Commissioner to the town. Some looting was reported at the Ethiopian market.
Bor
In Bor UN camp the lack of food and shelter is becoming urgent. UNMISS is providing water and emergency healthcare for injured and critically ill patients. Ban Ki-moon mentioned that earlier today, three UNMISS personnel were injured at the UN base in Bor, Jonglei State. “Attacks on civilians and the UN peacekeepers must cease immediately.”
File photo: People displaced and moving. (UNMISS)