The number of civilians affected by conflicts and other armed groups in South Sudan has alarmingly increased, recording a 51% rise in 2024, according to a report by the United Nations Mission in the country (UNMISS). This report, recently published, also details a significant increase in conflict-related incidents of sexual violence.
The data has been gathered from victim and witness testimonies, as well as from secondary sources and organizations providing protection services. During the past year, UNMISS documented a total of 1,019 violent incidents affecting 3,657 civilians, of which 1,561 lost their lives and 1,299 were injured. Additionally, 551 kidnappings were recorded, including at least 9 humanitarian workers, and 246 individuals suffered acts of sexual violence. This increase represents a 15% growth from the 885 incidents recorded in 2023 and a 9% increase in the total number of victims.
Community armed violence, carried out by local militias or civil defense groups, is the main cause of harm to the civilian population, accounting for almost 80% of reported victims. The state of Warrap stood out for the highest number of deaths and injuries, while Western Equatoria recorded the highest number of cases of sexual violence. In Central Equatoria state, kidnappings were concentrated, mainly by alleged members of dissident groups from the National Salvation Front, followed by Jonglei, where the incidents are attributed to armed elements of the murle community.
Nicholas Haysom, the UN Special Representative for South Sudan, emphasized the urgent need for national, state, and local authorities, as well as communities, to implement concrete actions to address the underlying causes of the conflict and seek peaceful solutions. Haysom highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion to reduce tensions and build trust between communities.
UNMISS has urged the government of South Sudan to take primary responsibility for the protection of civilians, demanding appropriate measures be taken to end violence and hold perpetrators accountable. The mission conducts thousands of peacekeeping patrols each year and supports community efforts focused on reconciliation and peacebuilding.
Originally the world’s youngest country, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011, but soon became embroiled in a civil war that has left a deep scar on its population. Since the outbreak of fighting in December 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition troops led by Riek Machar, hundreds of thousands are estimated to have died and millions have been displaced. While a peace agreement in 2018 led to the formation of a unity government, the UN expresses concerns about a potential return to large-scale conflict, especially following the recent arrest of Machar and the mobilization of the army and opposition groups in various regions. In his report to the UN Security Council, Haysom warns that the deterioration of the political and security situation could undo the progress made in the peace process in recent years.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish