Arop Jonchol
Juba: Alnaeim Mubarak Kuol
Civilians across South Sudan continue to suffer severely from persistent sub-national violence, according to the 2024 Annual Report issued by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The report highlights a 51% increase in the number of victims affected by traditional conflict parties and other armed groups, alongside a similarly alarming rise in conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) cases.
Between January and December 2024, UNMISS documented 1,019 violent incidents affecting 3,657 civilians — including 1,561 killed, 1,299 injured, 551 abducted, and 246 subjected to sexual violence related to the conflict. Compared to 2023, this reflects a 15% increase in incidents (from 885 to 1,019) and a 9% rise in the number of victims (from 3,340 to 3,657).
Community-based militias and local defense groups were responsible for the vast majority of the violence, accounting for 79% of total victims. Warrap State reported the highest number of deaths and injuries, while Western Equatoria State recorded the most cases of sexual violence.
Most abductions occurred in Central Equatoria State, allegedly carried out by splinter factions of the National Salvation Front, followed by Jonglei State, where Murle armed groups are believed to be responsible.
Nicholas Haysom, Head of UNMISS and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan, stressed the urgent need for coordinated action by national, state, and local authorities, as well as local communities, to address the root causes of conflict and seek peaceful solutions. He stated:
“Dialogue, reconciliation, and strengthening social cohesion are essential to easing tensions and building trust.”
The Mission reiterated that the South Sudanese government holds the primary responsibility for protecting civilians, and called on authorities to implement effective measures to end the violence, de-escalate tensions, and hold perpetrators accountable.
To support these efforts, UNMISS continues to carry out extensive peacekeeping operations by land, air, and river, and backs local peace initiatives, national political processes, security and justice sector reforms, constitution drafting, and preparations for national elections.
