South Sudan's President Appoints New Governor Amidst Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has made a significant political move, replacing Central Equatoria State Governor Gen. Augustino Jadallah Wani with Gen. Rabi Emmanuel. This change comes amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in the country.
The UN has raised serious concerns about the escalating violence in Sudan. The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has reported a worrying increase in the use of heavy weaponry in civilian areas. Both warring factions have been accused of weaponising humanitarian aid, further exacerbating the situation.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, have gained significant territorial control. They have taken over the Chevrolet military base in Northern State, near the Sudan-Libya border. This follows their recent seizure of the strategic 'Triangle' area at the Libyan-Sudanese-Egyptian border, leading to the retreat of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The RSF's new gains raise questions about the SAF's operational capabilities and could potentially facilitate further advances in El Fasher, North Darfur.
Disarmament efforts have shown some progress. Over 4,000 weapons were handed over by civilians in Warrap State. However, the freezing of humanitarian aid is hindering protection services, with only 3% of required funding received so far. Children, who make up 50% of the 30 million people requiring aid and 12 million people displaced, are particularly vulnerable.
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has appointed a new governor for Central Equatoria State. Meanwhile, the UN has sounded the alarm on the increasing use of heavy weaponry in civilian areas and the weaponisation of humanitarian aid. The Rapid Support Forces' territorial gains raise concerns about the Sudanese Armed Forces' capabilities. Despite some progress in disarmament, the freezing of humanitarian aid is severely impacting protection services, with children being disproportionately affected.
