KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Vulnerable populations continue to flee ongoing fighting in South Sudan, with violence displacing nearly 882,000 people—including both internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees fleeing to neighboring countries—since December 15, according to the U.N.
Heavy fighting between Government of the Republic of South Sudan (RSS) forces and opposition groups has persisted in Malakal since February 18, resulting in the death of more than 100 people, serious injuries, population displacement, and the evacuation of more than 80 humanitarian staff from the area. Relief agencies remain gravely concerned by unconfirmed reports of the deliberate targeting of civilians and increased incidents of sexual and gender-based violence conducted by armed actors in Malakal. Where possible, humanitarian actors are providing limited emergency relief to vulnerable populations.
Civilian protection concerns remain paramount in South Sudan due to persistent insecurity and conflict-induced displacement. Following a recent investigation of abuses against civilians, UNMISS reported that both RSS and opposition forces have deliberately targeted, killed, and forcibly displaced large numbers of civilians along ethnic lines, particularly in severely conflict-affected areas of Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile states. According to the U.N., witnesses have corroborated reports of extrajudicial and mass killings, forced disappearances, gender-based violence, and torture.
Although insecurity continues to constrain humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas, relief agencies have provided assistance to approximately 327,300 people since December 15.