Algerian Radio
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has "strongly" condemned the escalating violence in South Sudan, calling for the necessity of de-escalating tensions through dialogue and adherence to international law.
In a press statement issued yesterday, Saturday, the Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that "fighting, attacks, and the looting of humanitarian and health facilities along with restrictions on movement and insecurity on key supply routes are hindering humanitarian operations and disrupting essential services, placing civilians, including aid workers, at grave risk."
Through the statement, the Secretary-General pointed out that "since late December, at least 11 health facilities have been attacked in Jonglei State, disrupting life-saving services. The attacks also included the seizure of 12 vehicles, including an ambulance."
In this regard, Guterres warned that "this flagrant disregard for medical and humanitarian operations is unacceptable and must stop, and that such work must be facilitated and respected."
He simultaneously called on all parties for an "immediate and decisive cessation of all military operations, the de-escalation of tensions through dialogue, adherence to international law, the protection of civilians, ensuring safe and sustained humanitarian access, and guaranteeing the security of aid workers, UN peacekeepers, and their assets."
It is noted that more than 370,000 people have been displaced by conflict across the country this year alone, including over 280,000 in Jonglei State, amidst a rapidly worsening cholera outbreak. Meanwhile, nearly 10 million people more than two-thirds of the population remain in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance.
