South Sudan has been grappling with violence against civilians since its independence in 2011. The country’s long-standing civil war, which ended in 2018 with a peace agreement, has left deep scars on the population, and the impact of the conflict is still felt in many parts of the country.
Despite a decrease in the overall number of attacks, violence against civilians has been on the rise in recent months, according to a report by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The rise in violence has been attributed to several factors, including the proliferation of small arms, communal conflicts, and inter-ethnic tensions. The report also notes that the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, with increased poverty and unemployment leading to greater social unrest.
The UNMISS report highlights the need for urgent action to address the root causes of the violence and protect civilians. The report calls on the South Sudanese government to take steps to improve security, including the disarmament of civilians and the implementation of the peace agreement.
The UNMISS report also calls for greater international support for efforts to address the crisis in South Sudan. The international community has played a crucial role in the peace process, and continued support is needed to ensure that the gains made so far are not lost.
The rise in violence against civilians is a worrying trend and underscores the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of the conflict in South Sudan. While the peace agreement has brought some hope, much remains to be done to ensure that the country can build sustainable peace.
