The number of people under the protection of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) at bases across country has reached to more than 90,000 for the first time since the start of the national crisis in the country in December 2013.

Bentiu and Juba have the largest populations of displaced under protection, accounting for 67,042 people, most of them ethnic Nuers, who fled after atrocities were committed against civilians, according to human rights reports. 

“As of 28 May, the estimated number of civilians seeking safety in ten Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites located on UNMISS bases is 91,541,” the UN mission said in an update Wednesday.   

This represents a significant increase from the previous week. On 20 May, the number of people under protection was reported to be only 76,165.

Most of the difference is accounted for by a change in the number of people reported at the Bentiu base, where UNMISS says there are now 38,034 people.

Meanwhile, population figures at the Bor and Juba PoC sites have dropped somewhat – in particular at Tomping PoC, owing to transfers to UN House.

But in Malakal the number rose yet again from 18,036 in mid-May to about 19,300 currently.

File photo: Relocation of displaced foreigners to  a new Protection of Civilians site at UN House base (UN/Isaac Billy)

FORUM: Today our followers on Facebook join discussions about SPLA and about the proposal for federalism in South Sudan.