Blitz Bureau
JUBA: A United Nations envoy on March 18 expressed concern over the escalating violence in South Sudan’s Nasir, Ulang and Baliet counties, which is affecting the local population and disrupting humanitarian operations, reported IANS.
It said UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan Anita Kiki Gbeho called on those involved in the fighting in the restive region to protect civilians, humanitarian workers, and critical infrastructure.
“The violence is putting already vulnerable communities at greater risk and forcing the suspension of life-saving services. I urge all actors to allow humanitarians to safely reach those in need, especially women, children, and the elderly,” Gbeho said in a statement. She said the violence, which erupted in late February, has displaced an initial 50,000 people, of whom 10,000 have crossed into neighbouring Ethiopia.
More than 20 people have been reported killed, and several others injured on the outskirts of Nasir, located near the border between South Sudan and Ethiopia, Xinhua news agency reported.
Dozens of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces soldiers, including a General, and one UN personnel were killed on March 7, after the White Army militia group opened fire on a UN helicopter, which was on an evacuation mission in Nasir.
