from RAJI BASHIR in Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan Bureau
KHARTOUM, (CAJ News) – MORE than 165 000 people have fled increasing tensions and conflict in South Sudan in the past three months.
They have sought refuge within the country and across borders, deepening an already dire humanitarian situation across the region.
Since late February, political instability and rising hostilities between armed groups have led to fresh clashes, particularly in Upper Nile state, but also other hot spots.
Some 100 000 people seeking safety in the neighbouring countries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda cited insecurity, inter-communal violence and deteriorating humanitarian conditions as the main reasons for fleeing.
“South Sudan cannot afford yet another crisis,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) agency director for the East, Horn of Africa and Great Lakes region.
The envoy noted South Sudan, the world’s youngest country has received more than 1 million people who fled the ongoing war in Sudan, while millions of its citizens continue to recover from years of conflict and crisis at home.
As they continue to welcome new arrivals, neighbouring countries are struggling to cope as resources such as food, water, sanitation, shelter and health care run dry.
Around 41 000 people have crossed into Sudan’s White Nile, Blue Nile, Kordofan and Darfur states.
In Ethiopia, new arrivals had been staying in precarious conditions in makeshift shelters along riverbanks in the border town of Burbiey, Gambella.
UN agencies have already assisted some 21 000 new arrivals with food and relief items.
Uganda has received nearly 18 000 South Sudanese since March.
The DRC has received an estimated 23 000 new arrivals from South Sudan, despite the country grappling with its own ongoing conflict and a major displacement crisis.
Balde said many of the refugees are seeking safety in countries which have challenges of their own or are already dealing with emergencies amid ongoing funding cuts.
“We reiterate calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urge all parties to spare civilians more suffering and find a peaceful solution,” Balde added.
– CAJ News