With more than 200,000 people displaced by the conflict this month, the senior official – who also serves as Resident Coordinator – warned of a “sharp increase” in cholera cases.
More than 500 were reported nationwide this month, while treatment centers are “overwhelmed” and “critically short” of supplies.
Difficulties in delivering aid
Although relief efforts continue with government support, access remains “severely challenged” by road and river restrictions preventing aid distribution and medical evacuations.
The world’s youngest nation gained independence in 2011 but soon descended into civil war with clashes between forces loyal to the national army under President Salva Kiir and those supporting main opposition leader Riek Machar, who is currently on trial and facing serious charges, including murder, which he denies.
See our explanation of the long-running conflict, here.
A government offensive was launched this week in three counties in Jonglei following opposition advances. All civilians and aid workers were urged to evacuate.
Humanitarian facilities ‘looted’
Ms Gbeho told reporters that “humanitarian facilities are being looted and damaged (including at least seven (sites) in Jonglei), assets are being confiscated and humanitarian workers are being intimidated”, while the UN peacekeeping force faces “similar challenges”.
Disruptions to relief and peacebuilding efforts are having an “intolerable impact on people,” and the mission warned that “all the conditions for a human catastrophe are present.”
Speaking online from South Sudan, Ms Gbeho stressed that despite the release of $10 million to support the humanitarian response from the Central Emergency Relief Fund, “more support is needed.”
Restore peace
Despite the shortage of supplies, Ms Gbeho stated that the priority is to “stop the fighting, protect civilians and preserve the peace process” and work with the African Union and the IGAD bloc of nations in the region to “reestablish adherence to the peace agreement (2018)”.
Echoing the Secretary-General’s remarks on Thursday, Ms. Gbeho reiterated that “The solution to the current crisis is political, not military.”, calling on the country’s leaders to take “urgent and immediate measures to cease hostilities, reduce tensions through inclusive dialogue and return to consensus-based decision-making.”
“A decisive moment”
In conclusion, Ms. Gbeho emphasized that “the power to bring about positive changes lies with the South Sudanese themselves.”
He described the situation as “a decisive moment, a critical juncture for South Sudan. The decisions you make now could lead you down the path of peace or further conflict..”