Author: Wol Mapal | Published: 9 hours ago
People displaced in Renk – Photo: WFP/Eulalia Berlanga
More than one million civilians have been displaced across South Sudan within the past month due to ongoing conflict, according to civil society networks.
The networks say the crisis has also been marked by widespread loss of life, destruction of property, and the collapse of livelihoods.
In a joint statement issued today, civil society organisations from the ten states, Greater Pibor, and the Ruweng Administrative Areas expressed deep concern over what they described as a rapidly deteriorating security situation across the country.
They warned that escalating violence threatens to reverse fragile peace gains and push many communities deeper into a humanitarian crisis.
According to the networks, recent weeks have seen an increase in intercommunal clashes, cattle raids, targeted killings, and armed confrontations involving local militias and security forces.
The violence has affected both rural and urban areas, with Jonglei, Warrap, Upper Nile, and parts of Central Equatoria among the hardest hit.
“The civil society networks reported widespread loss of life, destruction of property and livelihoods, and mass displacement, estimating that approximately 1.05 million civilians have been displaced within the past month alone. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence.
“Homes have been burned, markets looted, and thousands of families forced to flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Women and children are disproportionately affected, facing heightened risks of gender-based violence, hunger, and disease,” read in part the statement issued on Monday.
The civil society networks also reported that humanitarian access has been severely restricted, with aid convoys attacked and relief workers threatened in several areas.
They said the growing displacement is overwhelming available humanitarian services, with many families sheltering in schools, churches, and open fields without adequate food, clean water, or medical care.
In their appeal, the networks called on the Transitional Government of National Unity and local authorities to take urgent action to restore law and order, protect civilians, and hold perpetrators accountable.
They also urged the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and international partners to strengthen civilian protection and support peacebuilding initiatives at the community level.
“The ongoing violence not only endangers lives but also undermines the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Without decisive action, the country risks sliding back into full scale conflict.” the statement continued.
Civil society leaders further emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue involving communities, traditional leaders, and political actors to address the root causes of the violence, including competition over land and resources, the spread of small arms, and weak local governance.
They also appealed for increased humanitarian funding and renewed international attention to address South Sudan’s worsening humanitarian and security crisis.
