The chief of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, has expressed concern that the conflict in Sudan is spilling over into South Sudan.
In a press conference held in Juba on Tuesday, Haysom revealed signs of possible recruitment activities by Sudanese parties within South Sudan, targeting young men and boys to join the ongoing conflict.
Haysom emphasized the apprehension that firearms might find their way into South Sudan, posing a significant threat. While acknowledging that UNMISS lacks direct control over the border, he assured that the organization would alert relevant authorities to mitigate potential disruptions.
Highlighting the current situation, the senior UN official mentioned that approximately 550,000 individuals have already crossed from Sudan into South Sudan, with the prospect of this number increasing over time.
This influx is adding strain to local communities, leading to heightened tensions among both displaced and host communities as the conflict persists.
According to Haysom, the overall impact of the conflict in Sudan has resulted in more than 7.2 million people being displaced, both within and outside the borders of Sudan, since the commencement of hostilities. The UN is closely monitoring the situation and addressing the challenges posed by the cross-border implications of the conflict.
