In South Sudan, communal violence continues to plague civilians, reflecting what the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) describes as a serious conflict crisis. The latest quarterly report, spanning from July to September 2024, highlights 206 violent incidents impacting 792 individuals. Tragically, the violence left behind 299 fatalities, 310 injuries, 151 abductions, and 32 victims of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
While incidents of violence fell by 4% compared to the previous year, the population affected surged by 24%. This paradox ensnares the nation, as civilian deaths dipped slightly, but injuries escalated significantly by 34%. Alarmingly, both abductions and cases of sexual violence surged—abductions increased by 132% and CRSV cases rose by 33% compared to the same timeframe last year.
Conversely, a hopeful note emerged with a substantial drop in violent encounters—down 35% from the previous quarter, translating to 317 incidents. Civilian harm also saw a commendable reduction of 25%, indicating efforts may be bearing some fruit. Warrap State reported the highest casualty figures, while Central Equatoria State topped abduction tallies, underscoring the ongoing threats to men in particular.
The instability fueled by tensions between government forces and splinter groups from the National Salvation Front is a growing concern. This ongoing conflict hinders the implementation of a previously established Cessation of Hostilities agreement aimed at stabilizing the region. Nicholas Haysom, UNMISS’s Special Representative, emphasized the urgent need for cohesive action from various authorities to address the root causes of violence.
“This trend of increasing violence against women and abductions is alarming,” Haysom stated, underlining the necessity for immediate investigations into human rights violations. The UN mission remains steadfast in its protective role, deploying peacekeeping patrols, fostering community discussions, and preparing for upcoming elections, aiming to restore a semblance of security and peace amid the chaos.
Communal violence in South Sudan remains a critical issue, with the UNMISS reporting 206 incidents affecting 792 civilians from July to September 2024. The violence resulted in 299 deaths, 310 injuries, and significant rises in abductions and sexual violence cases. Although overall violent incidents decreased, the surge in victim numbers and specific crime rates highlights an urgent need for effective solutions and accountability efforts by national and local authorities.
The UNMISS report paints a dire picture of escalating violence in South Sudan, particularly affecting women and children. Despite a reduction in the number of violent incidents reported, the increase in casualties and specific crimes like abduction and sexual violence remains a significant concern. Strong calls for collaborative efforts and investigations underline the urgent need for accountability and sustainable conflict resolution to foster hope for peace in the nation.
The backdrop of this report is set against a landscape of ongoing violence and instability in South Sudan, where communal conflicts are prevalent and severely impact the civilian population. The UNMISS has been documenting these incidents regularly, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address and mitigate the underlying issues that incite such conflicts. Understanding the interplay between government forces and various armed groups is crucial to grasp the full picture of the violent climate in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
