More efforts needed to stabilize South Sudan — UN peace official

Greater efforts are needed to stabilize South Sudan, said the United Nations head of peacekeeping operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, as he wrapped up a visit to the war-torn country that is struggling with the impact of climate change in addition to inter-communal conflicts, all of which have led to a growing need for humanitarian aid.

During his official visit, Lacroix traveled to the town of Bor in Jonglei state, where he met with UN personnel, humanitarian partners and the donor community and said he hopes to encourage more progress in South Sudan’s ongoing peace process. Communities in the region have been gravely impacted by cattle raids, flooding and a lack of basic resources.

“There are many urgent humanitarian crises around the world, but the political and financial resources that are available to cope with this crisis are by definition limited. And therefore, our advocacy will be strong,” Lacroix said.

Climate shocks have made South Sudan’s dire humanitarian situation worse as the country deals with some of the worst flooding in nearly a century. At the same time, inter-communal violence continues to create emergencies where the United Nations Mission in South Sudan — UNMISS — attempts to protect the civilians.

Lacroix also said his trip allowed him to see firsthand the negative impact of climate change on peace efforts. Farmers and cattlemen compete for space as drought and flooding change migration paths, fueling conflict. South Sudan has suffered greatly as a result of climate change, Lacroix said and added that more technical assistance and funding are required to assist the country in coping with the climatic shocks.