UN says over 860 civilians killed in South Sudan attacks last year

JUBA – At least 862 civilians were killed in inter-communal conflict in South Sudan between October and December 2023, the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (UNMISS) said on Monday.

In a report released in Juba, the UNMISS human rights division documented more than 862 victims who were killed, injured, abducted or subjected to conflict-related sexual violence during the final quarter of 2023.

The investigation revealed 406 civilian deaths, 292 injuries, 100 abductions and 63 cases of sexual violence.

The data represents a 4% increase in incidents (from 215 to 223) and a 35% increase in victims (from 641 to 863) compared to the same period in 2022.

Community-based militias or civil defense groups were responsible for 740 of the victims, according to the mission.

Warrap State was the main conflict hotspot, with victims rising sharply from 244 to 457 compared to the previous quarter.

The UN mission said more than half of those affected were caught up in fighting related to the border dispute between the Dinka Twic Mayardit in Warrap and Dinka Ngok communities in the Abyei area. The violence resulted in 263 deaths and 186 injuries.

The report also noted a 54% rise in abductions (from 65 to 100). Alleged armed Murle elements from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) were linked to 43% of all abductions in South Sudan.

Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, said the mission will continue its efforts to protect civilians.

“Intercommunal conflict continues to cause immense harm to communities across the country. UNMISS is doing all it can to prevent violence and build peace in the affected areas, but urgent intervention by authorities at the national, state and local levels is needed to resolve underlying grievances and build peace,” said Haysom.