South Sudan’s Jonglei: Who burned homes and silenced hospitals?

South Sudan's Jonglei State experienced widespread destruction and displacement, with both government and opposition forces accused of burning homes and silencing hospitals. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported on March 11, 2024, that its peacekeepers were investigating numerous incidents of violence, including the burning of at least 15 villages and the obstruction of humanitarian access to critical health facilities. These actions have led to the mass displacement of an estimated 70,000 people, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region. The UNMISS Human Rights Division documented accounts from displaced individuals detailing attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, which were allegedly set ablaze by armed actors. The ongoing conflict and violence have severely hampered relief efforts, with aid agencies struggling to reach those in need due to insecurity and damaged roads. The accusations highlight a pattern of deliberate targeting of civilian areas and essential services, contributing to a climate of fear and instability in Jonglei.