By Matik Kueth
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has reported a troubling escalation of violence against civilians in South Sudan, with a staggering 51 percent increase in casualties from the conflict between various armed factions and groups, as well as a similar increase in incidents of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in 2024.
In a statement released on Thursday, UNMISS revealed that from January to December 2024, 1,019 violent incidents were impacting 3,657 civilians, resulting in 1,561 deaths, 1,299 injuries, 551 abductions, and 246 cases of CRSV.
These figures represent a 15 percent increase in violent incidents compared to 2023, and a 9 percent rise in total numbers of victims.
The report highlighted that armed communal violence, primarily instigated by community militias and civil defense groups, continues to inflict significant harm, with these factions responsible for 79 percent of the victims. Warrap State recorded the highest fatalities and injuries among civilians, while Western Equatoria State reported the most cases of sexual violence.
Most abductions were also reported in Central Equatoria State, involving suspected members of National Salvation Front splinter groups, while Jonglei State experienced abductions by Murle armed groups.
“Armed communal violence by community-based militias and/or civil defense groups remained the leading cause of harm against civilians, accounting for 79 percent of victims. Consistently, Warrap State recorded the highest number of civilian deaths and injuries, whereas Western Equatoria State documented the highest number of sexual violence,” it stated.
Nicolas Haysom, Head of the UNMISS, emphasized the urgent need for action from national, state, and local authorities, as well as community leaders, to tackle the underlying causes of conflict and seek peaceful resolutions.
He stressed the importance of fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion to alleviate tensions and build trust.
“Protecting civilians and preventing violence requires urgent action by authorities at the national, state and local levels as well as by communities to address the root causes of conflict and find non-violent solutions. Promoting dialogue, reconciliation and social cohesion is critical to defusing tensions and building trust,” Haysom said.
According to UNMISS, the government of South Sudan bears primary responsibility for civilian protection, and it urges national and state authorities to take appropriate steps to cease violence, reduce tensions, and hold perpetrators accountable.
It noted that the mission supports such efforts by conducting thousands of peacekeeping patrols by land, air, and river each year.
The peace mission reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to assisting these efforts by conducting extensive peacekeeping patrols and supporting community reconciliation and peacebuilding programs.
“The Mission also supports community efforts to promote reconciliation and peacebuilding through dialogue and actively assists political and peace processes, including security and justice sector reform, constitution-making, and preparations for elections,” it emphasized.