The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan says he is 'deeply concerned' that conflict in South Sudan continues to restrict civilians’ freedom of movement and thereby negatively affect agricultural activities.

“It is vital that the people in South Sudan are able to move freely to access their land, plant crops, tend to their livestock and trade without fear of violence,” said the UN Coordinator Toby Lanzer in an announcement this morning.

He explained that traditional livestock migration patterns, agriculture and trading routes have been significantly disrupted by the ongoing fighting, in particular in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states. “More than 2.5 million people are severely food insecure and this number could grow precipitously during the lean season, which is shortly upon us and lasts until August,” he said.

Lanzer also emphasized that aid agencies need to be able to work safely in order to bring relief supplies to alleviate suffering and prevent hunger.

Photo: Women who fled to an island in a swamp near Nyal, Unity State, February 2015 (Radio Tamazuj)