The UN Secretary General has expressed alarm over a renewed surge in violence in South Sudan, warning that civilians are bearing the brunt of the fighting.

Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” by the escalating clashes, particularly in Jonglei State, which have resulted in deaths, injuries and the displacement of large numbers of people.

In a statement on Friday, Mr Guterres stressed that civilians must be protected and called for unrestricted access to allow humanitarian agencies to deliver aid safely to affected communities.

“I am deeply concerned by the continued escalation of violence in South Sudan, most recently in Jonglei State, which has caused many deaths, injuries and displacement.

“Civilians must be protected.
Access for the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance must be ensured”

“I call on the Government of South Sudan and opposition forces to immediately halt all military operations and de-escalate the situation through inclusive dialogue,” he said.

The latest violence comes amid long-standing instability in Jonglei, a region frequently affected by armed conflict, cattle raids and inter-communal fighting.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has previously warned that insecurity in the area has worsened an already fragile humanitarian situation.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes in recent weeks, with limited access to food, healthcare and clean water.

South Sudan’s government has yet to comment directly on Mr Guterres’ statement. However, officials have previously said they are committed to restoring calm and implementing the 2018 peace agreement, which ended a five-year civil war.