Humanitarian crisis deepens as South Sudan violence surges

"South Sudan has seen renewed fighting in recent weeks between government soldiers and fighters loyal to the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO). The United Nations says an estimated 280,000 people have been displaced by the fighting and air attacks since late December, including more than 235,000 across Jonglei alone. The UN's children agency UNICEF also warned last week that more than 450,000 children are at risk of acute malnutrition due to mass displacement and the halting of critical medical services in Jonglei."

"She and her family of 10 arrived here about two weeks ago, fleeing intensifying fighting between government and opposition forces in neighbouring Jonglei state. While they have found temporary shelter, Duot said there was hardly anything to eat at the camp. To survive, they rely on these nuts and wild fruits. We don't know anything about what the government is doing. They're fighting, but we don't know what the problem is."

"Humanitarian operations, however, have been crippled by attacks and looting, with observers saying both sides in the conflict have prevented assistance from reaching areas where they believe civilians support their opponents. The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) suspended its activities last week in Baliet county, in Upper Nile state, following repeated attacks on a convoy carrying humanitarian assistance. The WFP said the suspension would remain in place until the safety"

Renewed fighting between government forces and the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) has displaced an estimated 280,000 people since late December, including over 235,000 in Jonglei. Nearly 10 million people in South Sudan require life-saving humanitarian assistance. UNICEF warns more than 450,000 children face acute malnutrition risks because of mass displacement and halted medical services. Humanitarian operations have been crippled by attacks, looting and movement restrictions, with both sides preventing aid to areas suspected of supporting opponents. The WFP suspended activities in Baliet county after repeated convoy attacks, halting assistance until safety is assured. Families in displacement camps rely on wild fruits and nuts.

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