The U.N. humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan warned Saturday that renewed violence in parts of Jonglei State has forced more than 180,000 people from their homes since late December, severely straining aid operations.
Fighting reported over the past week in Nyirol, Uror, Ayod and Duk counties is worsening an already dire crisis marked by severe food insecurity and flooding, according to coordinator Anita Kiki Gbeho.
South Sudanese government sources cite the displacement figure, which includes mostly women, children and the elderly. Many are sheltering in remote bush areas or have fled to neighboring states, Gbeho’s office said.
The violence has placed civilians and aid workers at grave risk, disrupted fragile health services and constrained the delivery of lifesaving assistance, the U.N. said.
At least four health facilities have been looted, affecting more than 100,000 people. Restrictions on air, river and road movements have further impeded access.
“Innocent civilians must be protected,” Gbeho said. “All parties must immediately end the violence, de-escalate tensions and guarantee safe, unhindered humanitarian access to those in desperate need.”
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the displacement is compounding one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with two-thirds of South Sudan’s population needing aid.
Over the past few weeks, intensified hostilities in northern Jonglei State have involved direct and indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations, including repeated aerial bombardments by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, clashes with the opposition SPLA-IO and the reported mobilization of armed civilian militias.