By Chol D. Johnson
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for the de-escalation of tensions across the country amid escalating violence and growing humanitarian needs.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, UNMISS Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Anita Kiki Gbeho emphasized the urgency of reducing tensions.
She made the call during a meeting with Vice President for the Gender and Youth Cluster, Rebecca Nyandeng, in Juba.
The statement was published on the Vice President’s official page following a briefing in which Nyandeng updated the UNMISS official on the worsening security and humanitarian situation in several parts of the country.
Kiki stressed the importance of de-escalating tensions to allow displaced families to return to their homes safely and to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need without obstruction.
“The importance of de-escalation of tensions is critical so that displaced families can return home safely and receive aid without obstruction,” she said.
Vice President Nyandeng and the UNMISS DSRSG discussed humanitarian de-escalation efforts and the need to strengthen community cohesion as violence continues to affect multiple regions.
Nyandeng briefed Kiki on the humanitarian situation impacting Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity, Nadapal, and surrounding areas, noting that escalating conflict has displaced populations and increased the need for humanitarian assistance.
She highlighted ongoing fighting between South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) forces loyal to SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar, particularly in Jonglei, Unity, and Eastern Equatoria states.
Nyandeng reiterated that the protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access remain top priorities, alongside support for voluntary repatriation, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), shelter, health services, and education.
“Protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access are priorities, alongside support for voluntary repatriation, WASH, shelter, health services, and education,” she reiterated.
Both the Government of South Sudan and UNMISS reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together to support communities most in need, despite severe cuts in donor funding, underscoring shared values of solidarity, dialogue, and service to all citizens.
This call came at the time where the elements of the Sudan People Liberation Army in Opposition and the South Sudan People Defense Forces continue to engage in armed confrontations in some part of the country.