More violence and killings in South Sudan’s Lakes States

South Sudan, a country that only gained independent status in 2011, is approaching its 10-year anniversary. Although gaining independence and joining the African Union (AU) are major stepping stones to statehood, South Sudan’s independence did not come about without some problems. Whilst facing problems with its former counterpart, Sudan, South Sudan also encountered a number of domestic issues, mainly in the form of rebel groups. Such groups, the Lou Nuer or Murle people, were responsible for thousands of casualties and the displacement of tens of thousands individuals in the years following. Whilst tensions seemed to have calmed down, there are still active hostilities occurring in South Sudan.

In 2021, the situation has not improved. There have been voices reporting and claiming that humanitarian aid doctors and dozens of individuals were killed in hostilities. A large part of the country, and its population, is now facing a famine that could potentially affect up to 8 million people. The need for humanitarian support in South Sudan is undeniable and is conducted by the United Nation Mission for South Sudan, or UNMISS. This does, however, not ensure the end of any attacks.

In June 2021, shortly after the killing of another doctor, the South Sudan NGO forum announced that two of its humanitarian workers were killed in ambush. It has reported that a convoy, clearly marked as humanitarian vehicles, was attacked by unknown assailants on the Mapourdit-Aluakluak road resulting in two casualties. The South Sudan NGO forum has urged South Sudan to ensure the safety of its aid workers and called for a speedy arrest of the perpetrators of the attacks. The group pointed at the spike in violence affecting roads and other parts of South Sudan, acknowledging that a safe environment across the country is crucial to reach the millions of people in need of assistance.