UN wants protection for civilians fleeing South Sudan violence

A SENIOR UN humanitarian official in South Sudan has demanded that parties to the conflict uphold their responsibilities to protect thousands of Shilluk civilians sheltering in and around Aburoc, following the resumption of a government offensive and clashes along the West Bank of the Nile River last week.

“Civilians in Aburoc are living in fear, not knowing what each day will bring,” said the humanitarian co-ordinator for the country, Serge Tissot. “I call on the government to respect the civilian nature of these settlements and ensure they are not subject to attacks, and call on the opposition forces to ensure that areas highly populated by civilians are, and remain, demilitarised.”

According to the UN, thousands of civilians have arrived in Aburoc in recent days. Many have walked for days and are arriving exhausted and weak. Thousands are reportedly now moving towards Sudan out of fear of potential future attacks.

Prices are exorbitant and transport is inadequate, so many people are having no choice but to walk.

On April 23 and 24, humanitarian organisations relocated staff from Kodok and Aburoc amid the spread of conflict on the Nile’s West Bank.

Several local staff remain in the community and are doing all they can to assist people in need.

However, key humanitarian assets were looted by opposition forces and others in recent days.

Humanitarians are exploring all feasible options to provide assistance to those fleeing the fighting but are facing major challenges, including lack of fuel in the area. International funds were recently released to support the scale-up of emergency operations in locations where civilians are arriving.