180,000 people displaced in South Sudan

30 dec 2013

The number of people reported displaced by the current crisis in South Sudan has risen to 180,000.

An estimated 75,000 people are seeking refuge at compounds of the United Nations peacekeeping mission throughout the country, according to UN OCHA, the UN´s refugee organization.

Heavy clashes broke out between groups loyal to President Salva Kiir and loyal to the ex-vice president Riek Machar in Juba the night of December 15. Violence has spread to South Sudan’s largest state Jonglei, Unity State and Upper Nile.

In Malakal (Upper Nile State) a Caritas employee was killed. Caritas, a partner of Cordaid, is currently providing emergency aid to refugees on the grounds of the Catholic church in Kator.

Cordaid evacuated its international staff from South Sudan amid fighting and rising tensions throughout the country. Eleven employees from Cordaid originating from Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, the Netherlands and a consultant from Germany left South Sudan on Friday 20 December.

Cordaid runs approximately 65 projects in South Sudan, ranging from strengthening the judicial system to healthcare. Read more about our work in South Sudan.

ENDS

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