UN says inter-tribal skirmishes affecting humanitarian response in South Sudan

JUBA, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations humanitarian agency said that inter-tribal skirmishes, flooding and COVID-19 have undermined efforts to provide emergency aid to civilians in South Sudan.

Alain Noudehou, UN humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, said that tribal violence and forced displacement have a complicated provision of critical support to vulnerable civilians.

"Recurring fighting between different ethnic groups in Bor and Pibor areas of Jonglei State displaced more than 60,000 people and disrupted humanitarian services," said Noudehou in a statement issued in Juba on Friday evening.

He said that clashes between Sudanese traders and armed groups in Western Equatoria, particularly in Tambura town have displaced more than 5,400 people.

"Fighting between armed groups and attacks on civilians in Morobo County, Central Equatoria, resulted in a number of casualties and displaced nearly 1,400 people," said Noudehou.

South Sudan so far has recorded 2,139 COVID-19 cases with 1,125 recoveries and 41 deaths as of Friday. Enditem