Sudan conflict spilling to South Sudan, UN official warns

February 20, 2024 (JUBA) – The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom said the war in Sudan has spilled over to South Sudan.

Speaking to reporters in Juba on Tuesday, Haysom said there are indications recruitment could be taking place in South Sudan by parties involved in Sudan.

He said young men and boys could be recruited by rival factions in to the conflict.

“We are worried that firearms are going to start drifting into South Sudan,” noted Haysom.

He said although UNMISS does not control the border, it will alert authorities to minimize what could be very disruptive.

According to the top UN official, about 550,000 people have crossed into South Sudan from Sudan amidst concerns that these numbers could rise with time.

This will increase stress on communities which are causing tensions among the displaced and host communities as the conflict continues, Haysom explained.

More than 7.2 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since the fighting broke out, the UN said.

(ST)