Fighting reaches “worrying proportions”

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Elisabeth Janaina

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Feb 9, 2017, 5:32:24 AM2/9/17

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Fighting reaches “worrying proportions”

Staff Writer | February 9, 2017 | 10:47 am

Aftermath of recent clashes in Wau Shilluk now reported to be deserted|Photo|MSF

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan has described as “worrying proportions” a renewed fighting in the northern part of the country.The government SPLA and opposition forces engaged in attacks in Owachi and Tonga areas, Panyinkang County, Central Upper Nile State.“What began with an exchange of fire between SPLA and Aguelek opposition forces, has expanded geographically. Military resupplies have since been observed arriving in the area,” UNMISS Spokesperson Daniel Dickinson said in a statement issued Thursday morning.

This comes after humanitarian groups have also expressed concerned about the fighting which has lasted days now.On 1 February, the International Organization for Migration announced that it hadsuspended humanitarian activities in Wau Shilluk, Fashoda State, due to the violence.

Besides, staff of the medical charity, MSF, fled the area over the weekend in fear of insecurity, depriving the vulnerable of medical aid.

“Military operations on the west bank of the Nile river are taking place in an area where people, predominantly from the Shilluk ethnic group live, forcing people out of their homes,” Dickinson added.