South Sudan, clashes worsen the humanitarian situation

The armed clashes started on December 15h in the Capital Juba, still ongoing in other towns, involve civilians and are deteriorating the already serious humanitarian needs and strained conditions of the population.

In the last 24 hours, armed men have looted the INTERSOS operational base in Bor – Jonglei State, which is one of the locations witnessing violence. Vehicles and fuel have been stolen. The staff is safe, but under such circumstances it has become extremely difficult to reach the communities in need.

INTERSOS action in South Sudan serves more than 200,000 people in need with relief items such as plastic sheets, jerry cans, blankets and soap, 50,000 with water and sanitation activities and 80,000 with action in protection of civilians and education; among which more than 15,000 in Jonglei State alone. The organization is now forced to temporarily put on freeze most of its activities in the area.

We ask to the fighting parties to avoid any involvement or targeting of the civilian population, and to guarantee to the humanitarian organization safe access to the people in need of aid.