UN reports at least 80 killed as violence flares in Southern Sudan

The United Nations announced that renewed violence in southern Sudan has resulted in at least 80 deaths while increasing regional tensions. The fighting that started earlier this week stems from communal clashes and armed group activities which worsen the region’s unstable security situation.

UN officials report that the ongoing violence has forced thousands of civilians to leave their homes as they seek sanctuary in adjacent areas.

The worsening security climate makes aid distribution challenging, according to humanitarian agencies, because essential supplies face looting and destruction.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, demands an immediate end to hostilities and requests that all factions enter into dialogue. The civilian population bears the greatest suffering from this ongoing violence. A UN spokesperson demanded that all armed groups respect human rights and facilitate humanitarian access.

Security forces have been deployed by local authorities to manage the situation, yet ongoing clashes in remote areas cause fear of increased violence. Experts worry that the violence will expand further if swift action is not taken to control the humanitarian crisis.

The African Union, along with regional partners, has voiced significant worry and requested peace negotiations from international bodies. Humanitarian organisations conduct damage assessments while delivering emergency assistance.

The environment continues to be unstable while people worry about more deaths and people being forced to leave their homes. The United Nations, together with world leaders, maintains close surveillance of current events and demands swift actions to bring back stability, while safeguarding people.

READ: Sudan says war nearing end amid military gains against rebel forces