While the humanitarian situation in Juba is gradually de-escalating, conflict and ethnically motivated attacks continue unabated throughout the country. Along the corridor between Juba and Nimule and at the border with Uganda, civilians continue to be prevented from leaving South Sudan. Though latest reports indicate that people without luggage may cross the border, this only leads to further family separations as people seem to send their children alone to safe areas while staying behind with their belongings.
The security situation in Juba remains fluid and unpredictable. Reports of harassment and possible detention of opposition leaders could lead to reprisals and a further breakdown in trust between the warring parties.
As no commodities are coming in and most roads remain inaccessible, Juba is fast running out of food and might face very serious food shortages in the next few weeks. If this happens the population of Juba would be at risk. At the same time prices are skyrocketing and the money is devaluating.
Widespread looting in Juba continues. At a WFP warehouse, 4 500 metric tonnes were looted on Thursday representing one month's life-saving food and nutrition supplies for 220 000 people. Reports indicate another UN warehouse was looted yesterday in the vicinity of UN House.
While the focus is on the situation in Juba, more than 80 000 people remain displaced in and around Wau, Western Bar el Ghazal, by ethnically motivated attacks against the Fertit population.
An outbreak of conflict in Leer, Unity State, has resulted in all humanitarian agencies evacuating from Leer town on Thursday. A big influx of displaced people into the Bentiu Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in search of protection is highly likely.