UN Reports Over 700 Civilian Casualties in South Sudan
(MENAFN) A disturbing new report from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) highlights a significant rise in civilian violence across the country during the first quarter of 2025. Between January and March, 739 civilians were killed, 679 were injured, 149 were abducted, and 40 were victims of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
This report, which documented 1,607 civilian casualties in just three months, marks the highest quarterly toll since 2020. Compared to the same period in 2024, the numbers reflect a staggering increase—victims surged by 76%, from 913 to 1,607; killings rose by 58%, from 468 to 739; and injuries doubled, climbing by 107%, from 328 to 679.
Warrap State bore the brunt of the violence, recording the highest number of affected civilians—428 deaths and 298 injuries. Central Equatoria followed closely, experiencing a staggering 260% rise in victims and becoming the region with the highest number of abductions.
“The number of child victims increased sharply from 114 to 171. Women and girls continued to be disproportionately affected by CRSV and other acts of sexual and gender-based violence, together accounting for 98 percent of documented victims,” the report noted.
The majority of these attacks were attributed to community-based militias or civil defense groups, responsible for 66% of the casualties. Unidentified armed elements, acting opportunistically, accounted for 22%, while conventional armed groups were linked to 15% of the casualties. This marks a concerning 27% increase in violence from these groups, from 152 to 193 victims.
The report emphasized that the escalating armed clashes involving these groups are seriously jeopardizing civilian safety and violating both human rights and international humanitarian law.
“It is the primary responsibility of the government to protect civilians and prevent conflicts, which continue to cause immense harm to communities across the country,” stated Guang Cong, the deputy special representative to the Secretary-General of UNMISS.
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