Thousands of families flee fresh violence in Jonglei and seek sanctuary at UN base

A fresh outbreak of fighting in the troubled Jonglei region of #SouthSudan has forced thousands of families to flee their homes and seek sanctuary next to the United Nations base in Pibor.

The sudden influx of 6,000 displaced people came after the village of Likuangole, about 30 kilometers north of Pibor town, was attacked by armed groups on Wednesday night. Tensions remain high in Pibor with the prospect of many more families seeking protection from the violence. 

“We are deeply concerned by these continued attacks and the impact on civilians who are being forced to flee their homes in fear for their lives and to seek sanctuary beside our base where conditions are dire because of recent flooding,” said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, David Shearer.

“Parties must immediately stop fighting, pull back and return to their home areas. Buffer zones need to be established to protect people and enable reconciliation to safely take place.”

The caution comes as the UN World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization warned that up to 60,000 people are threatened with hunger as a result of the fighting. 

Mr. Shearer spoke to Radio Miraya about the magnitude of the crisis in this 8” interview.