The Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan Eugene Owusu has called for unhindered humanitarian access to people in need following days of clashes in Juba, saying that some people still fear for their lives.

Fighting in Juba raged from Friday to Monday with some lulls, while Tuesday was quiet after both sides agreed to a ceasefire. During the fighting most aid workers were on lockdown hiding inside compounds to avoid being caught in crossfire.

In a statement circulated by the coordination office OCHA, Owusu said that an estimated 36,000 people were displaced at the height of the fighting and sought shelter in various locations throughout Juba, including the UNMISS base in Tongping, UN House in Jebel, WFP compound, ADRA compound, and several churches across the city.

“Most of the displaced were women and children. While some have begun to return home, others remain concerned for their safety,” he said.

He stated, “I call on all parties to restore and maintain calm throughout the country, protect civilians, and ensure civilian freedom of movement.”

The statement also pointed out that during the clashes, some humanitarian facilities, compounds and warehouses - including a maternity ward in a Protection of Civilians site - were hit by shelling and gunfire. Owusu called this “unacceptable”.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon yesterday said that government troops were obstructing the movement of peacekeepers and aid workers in the city.

Owusu also pointed out that additional funding will be needed to pay for aid operations within Juba, though he did not provide details yet about the cost. Even before the fighting broke out in Juba, the 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan for South Sudan was just 40 per cent funded.

File photo: Eugene Owosu (left) visiting aid workers at a field location