240 violence incidents, 468 deaths occurred in South Sudan: UN
July 17, 2024 (JUBA)- South Sudan documented 240 incidents of violence which resulted into 468 deaths and 328 injuries, the UN mission in country (UNMISS) said.
The latest quarterly brief by UNMISS, covering the period between January and March 2024, also recorded 70 abductions and conflict-related sexual violence.
This, according to the mission, represents a 24 percent increase in the number of violent incidents when compared to the same period last year.
The report shows inter/intra-communal violence by community-based militias and/or civil defense groups remains the primary source of subnational violence, accounting for 87 percent of victims (796 individuals) documented across the country.
Civilians in Warrap State suffered the highest rates of violence, accounting for 37 percent of total civilian victims nationwide, followed by Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria States.
It documented abductions decreased by 30 percent (from 100 to 70), compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, and documented incidents of conflict-related sexual violence decreased by 25 percent (from 63 to 47).
Nationwide trends of violence involving the conventional parties to the conflict remained relatively low during the reporting period. However, military operations and activities involving government security forces and organized armed groups and their respective proxy armed elements continue to place civilians at risk, predominantly in parts of Central Equatoria State.
“We cannot emphasize enough the urgent need for collective action by national, state, and local authorities, as well as community leaders and national politicians, to resolve longstanding grievances peacefully, especially as South Sudan approaches its first elections,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of UNMISS.
He added, “Building a culture of human rights is fundamental to achieving sustainable security, peace, and democracy.”
UNMISS continues to protect civilians across the country with thousands of peacekeeping patrols conducted by land, air, and boat. The mission also helps bring communities together to reconcile and build peace through dialogue.
Additionally, UNMISS continues to actively support political and peace processes, including security and justice sector reform, constitution-making, and preparations for elections.
Child abduction is predominantly a practice in some areas in Jonglei while cattle theft, communal violence over territorial claims of ownership, and widespread attacks against civilians persist across South Sudan, driven primarily by subnational armed violence involving community-based militias and/or civil defense groups are some of the security and safety related issues with which the security agents and partners have over years struggled to find a lasting solution without much success.
(ST)