Nicholas Haysom, Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), described the situation as dire, with tensions intensifying between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar.

UNMISS Spokesperson Priyanka Chowdhury highlighted the broader implications of instability in the region, exacerbated by the ongoing crisis in neighbouring Sudan.

"If you look at the region broadly, there's already the crisis in Sudan going on, which has had a significant impact on South Sudan as well. We've had tens of thousands of refugees and returnees flocking into a country with already strained resources," she noted.

Chowdhury expressed grave concerns about the possibility of large-scale violence in South Sudan, warning that the region cannot withstand another devastating conflict.

"The region just can't afford another large-scale war or outbreak of violence. Our primary concern is that South Sudan does not relapse into violence again," she added.

--ChannelAfrica--