South Sudan: Sharp decline in violence against civilians (18.02.2022)

UNMISS deployed peacekeepers proactively as well as pre-emptively, to conflict hotspots and conflict areas throughout the year.

NEW YORK, United States of America, February 18, 2022 – Reported incidents of violence against civilians fell by around 42 per cent in 2021 compared with the previous year, according to a new report released by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday.

The UNMISS Human Rights Division’s annual brief on violence affecting civilians, documented 3,414 civilian victims subjected to killing, injury, abduction, and conflict-related sexual violence, out of 982 recorded cases.

Mostly male victims

Some 75 per cent of the victims were men, while 14 per cent of cases involved women, and 11 per cent, children.

This compares with 5,850 civilian victims documented in 2020. Cases of conflict-related sexual violence declined slightly from 211 in 2020, to 194 in 2021, but remained “unacceptably high”, said UNMISS in its press release.

Subnational conflict accounted for most victims in 2021. Warrap remained the state with the highest number of reported incidents, accounting for 24 per cent, followed by Western Equatoria (19 per cent), and Jonglei and Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) (17 per cent each).

Militia attacks

Many of the victims were killed or injured during attacks by armed community-based militias across Jonglei and the GPPA.

In May last year, violence surged with at least 230 killed, 120 injured, 178 abducted, and 14 women subjected to conflict-related sexual violence.

A concerning surge of fighting was also documented in Tambura, Western Equatoria, between ethnic militias who are allegedly affiliated with conventional parties to the conflict, said the report.

Such violence resulted in 440 deaths, 18 injured, 74 abductions, 64 victims of sexual violence and an estimated 80,000 people displaced.

UNMISS deployed peacekeepers proactively as well as pre-emptively, to conflict hotspots and conflict areas throughout the year.

Abuses must be investigated

The Mission established 116 temporary operating bases last year which enhanced the protection of civilians through sustained long and short distance patrols.

At the same time, UNMISS engaged in political and community consultations at the local, state and national level, adopting a Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus approach.

UNMISS is urging the Government of South Sudan to investigate human rights violations and abuses wherever they are taking place, and to hold all perpetrators accountable, particularly as violence continues to surge in several parts of the country.

South Sudan: Statement by Ms. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan on attacks on civilians and aid workers (16.02.2022)

South Sudan: OCHA – Abyei – Flash Update No. 1 (16.02.2022)

South Sudan: MSF staff member killed in intercommunal violence in Agok (16.02.2022)

MSF has been forced to temporarily suspend operations at the hospital, with the 24 patients that were receiving medical treatment transferred to a hospital in Abyei.

JUBA, South Sudan, February 16, 2022 – It is with great sadness that Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirms the death of David Deng Aleu, a South Sudanese nurse that worked in the MSF hospital in Agok. David was killed inside his home on Thursday 10 February when intercommunal fighting broke out in Agok, a town 38km south of Abyei in South Sudan.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague and express our heartfelt condolences to David’s family and friends”, said Gouranga Manna, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan. “We strongly condemn this act of violence which has led to the tragic loss of lives in the community.”

As fighting broke out, locals have fled to the surrounding bush and other towns for safety. Among them were several members of our staff that work at the MSF Hospital. As a result, MSF has been forced to temporarily suspend operations at the hospital, with the 24 patients that were receiving medical treatment transferred to a hospital in Abyei.

MSF remains committed to delivering medical assistance to the people of Agok. We are continuing to maintain a presence in the community to ensure access to essential medical care.

“MSF’s principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality means that we provide medical care to any person in urgent need, regardless of their ethnicity, political affiliations or any other factor”, said Gouranga Manna. “We call for respect and safety of our medical teams so that we can continue to provide these life-saving services”.

South Sudan: Save the Children suspends work in Agok and relocates staff (16.02.2022)

South Sudan: Warrap State-Kuajok – Governor’s Office – Press Statement (13.02.2022)

South Sudan Youth Society for Peaceful Co-Existence: Press Release on the Current Conflict between Twic and Abyei Community (13.02.2022)

South Sudan: UN Human Rights Experts warn of increased political violence and polarisation in South Sudan, at conclusion of visit to the country (11.02.2022)

South Sudan: South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) – Ref: Condolence Massege (02.02.2022)

South Sudan: Western Equatoria State – Governor’s Office – Press Release (22.01.2022)