New york: The resurgence of fighting in South Sudan poses a threat to the broader region as the humanitarian situation in the country deteriorates, a senior United Nations official warned on Monday. The country remains locked in a phase of violent political instability, with 7.7 million people experiencing food insecurity between April and July, out of a total population of about 12 million, as reported by the UN.

According to Angola Press News Agency, approximately 83,000 individuals in South Sudan are at risk of facing a “catastrophic situation,” exacerbated by severe climate crises and the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan. UN Under-Secretary-General for Africa Martha Pobee expressed concerns to the Security Council, noting that the current military stance and ongoing operations could lead to increased violence and worsen inter-communal conflicts.

The organization highlighted that if the current trends persist, the conflict might evolve into a more complex scenario characterized by ethnic divisions i
nvolving signatory parties and other actors, including neighboring countries. Last month saw clashes between the Uganda People’s Defense Forces and South Sudanese troops in Central Equatoria, resulting in six deaths.

Uganda has maintained a historical interest in South Sudan and has extended military support to President Salva Kiir, involving the deployment of special forces since March. South Sudan is currently experiencing a rise in politically and ethnically driven violence as it continues to grapple with the aftermath of a civil war from 2013 to 2018, which resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and the displacement of one million people.