May 13, 2018(Nyamilepedia) — Latest Reports from The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(UNOCHA) indicate that at least 50, 000 civilians were displaced in April this year in South Sudan’s civil war — a political conflict that has dragged on for almost 5 years.
According to the new reports, at least 15, 000 civilians were displaced and 30 women were abducted in Pibor of the minority Murle tribe in April this year.
“In Pibor County (Jonglei), a cattle raiding attack forced the displacement of about 15,000 people and led to the abduction of at least 30 women and children in Likuangole.” Read part of the UNOCHA report.
Pibor, which has been relatively calm for the last 4 years, has succumbed to multiple attacks from youth and militias from the neighboring new Jonglei state, which is predominately inhabited by the Dinka tribe.
The UN reports also indicate that government led offensives in Akobo, Uror and Nyirol has displaced more than 13, 000 and left villages burnt down by the warring parties.
“In Jonglei, fighting was reported in Akobo, Nyirol and Uror counties where several civilians were killed and thousands displaced. At least 13,000 displaced people arrived in Guiy village, north-west of Motot following the fighting in Nyirol and Uror counties.” Read part of the report.
Compared to Jonglei State, Unity State has experienced the worst escalation of the conflict in the last two months.
Within April and May, the two warring parties have fought in more than 6 counties of the former 9 counties.
Leading the list of the most affected counties is Machar’s hometown of Leer and Mayiandit, where hundreds of civilians are still sheltering in swamps. Children, women and elderly have been killed and other displaced to IDPs centers.
“In April, renewed fighting in Mayom, Rubkona, Guit, Koch, Leer and Mayendit counties in Unity led to displacement of thousands of civilians.” Said UNOCHA report
“Three villages were burnt down following clashes in and around Koch town, displacing over 7,000 people, while nearly 600 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) arrived in Nyal, Panyijiar County.” the report continued.
A report by FAO and WFP in March, indicated that conflict-induced displacement was worsening the country’s already dire food security situation.
According to UNOCHA a large number of farmers in conflict-affected areas, particularly in Central Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal were either displaced, while those left behind were unable to cultivate far-fields and limited to homestead areas, due to insecurity.
UNOCHA also found that in Bentiu PoC site and Old Fangak, 10 new cases of Hepatitis E were confirmed out of a total of 19 suspected cases.
“Partners are concerned and closely monitoring the situation because Hepatitis E is a highly communicable disease which could spread fast.” the new report added.
