UN: Concerns over deteriorating situation in South Sudan

The UN Security Council has expressed concerns about the deteriorating situation in South Sudan. The Acting Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, warned that developments in the country are moving in a "negative and potentially dangerous direction."

He cited increasing ceasefire violations, extensive aerial bombardments, and clashes between signatories to the peace agreement. Furthermore, the "unilateral removal of opposition appointees" and the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar have worsened the political climate.

Mr. Lacroix stressed that the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the only framework for peace and stability. He also highlighted the humanitarian crisis, with 7.5 million people facing food insecurity and over a million displaced by floods, as well as 1.2 million refugees from Sudan.

The Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, emphasized that women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty, climate crisis, and violence, with 2.7 million people at risk of gender-based violence.

UNMISS is facing a financial crisis, leading to office closures and staff reductions, despite its work for the stability of the country.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ