UNHCR decries influx of S. Sudanese into regional nations

The UN refugee agency on Tuesday decried influx of South Sudanese into Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda despite the ceasefire which was announced last week by the two leaders.

The UNHCR said the number of people seeking shelter and safety in Uganda from South Sudan has risen significantly in the past few days, expressing concern that the influx will keep increasing in the days ahead as tensions remain high across the border.

"A total of 1,326 crossed into Uganda between Friday and Saturday, with 1,633 more arriving on Sunday. The majority are South Sudanese, but there are some Ugandans," UNHCR said in a statement received in Juba.

"Prior to Friday, the average daily rate was 233. These new arrivals bring the total number to have fled to Uganda since the latest violence in South Sudan began on July 7 to 5,015. More than 90 per cent of the new arrivals were women and children under the age of 18 years," said the statement.

The statement comes after days of heightened concern in the wake of the deadly clashes that erupted in and around the capital, Juba, between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing Vice-President Riek Machar.

The UN has said that at least 300 people were killed and over 10,000 fled their homes after the violence in Juba.

The UNHCR said the number of new arrivals in western Ethiopia's Gambella region has not risen significantly since June 11, but the fresh fighting has dampened hopes of returning home soon.

It said the Kenya-South Sudan border has also been relatively quiet. "To date UNHCR has transferred 169 new arrivals from the Nadapal border to Kakuma camp," it said.

The UN refugee agency said the fresh displacement will put a further strain on UNHCR's resources for the South Sudan operation and agency's ability to provide timely and life-saving assistance.

Last week, UN agencies launched a revised appeal for its South Sudanese refugees operations, seeking 701 million U.S. dollars.

The earlier appeal for 638 million dollars was only 17 per cent funded.

Ann Encontre, Regional Refugee Coordinator for the South Sudan situation, who launched the appeal, said the overall planning figure had risen from 867,239 refugees to 973,000. She warned that it could pass the 1 million mark in the coming months.

UNHCR said it expects more people to flee to Uganda, especially now that the 200-kilometre Juba-Nimule road, linking the South Sudan capital to Uganda, has been cleared of checkpoints.

"As a result, more people are now coming by truck, and this explains the rising numbers of arrivals. Many are also bringing belongings," it said, condemning violent attacks against humanitarian workers, which have left at least one person dead.

"Several countries have evacuated their nationals. UNHCR, as part of the overall humanitarian response, is undertaking assessments and providing assistance in displacement sites," it said.

Despite a fragile ceasefire has held since late Monday, the UN has warned of the possibility of fresh fighting in Juba.

The situation is being exacerbated by the devaluation of the South Sudanese pound, leading to skyrocketing prices and making the food that is available too expensive for many.

The fighting also disrupted supply routes from Uganda into South Sudan, including aid and food.

Thousands of people have entered Uganda's northern region via the border crossing points at Moyo, Kuluba, Lamwo, Yumbe and Elegu, while some are heading directly to Kiryandongo refugee settlement in the mid-west of the country.

The border was previously closed on the South Sudan side, but restrictions have been eased.

"The new arrivals are mostly fleeing from Eastern Equatoria state, with a smaller number arriving from Juba. They report that the security situation remains volatile and fighting could return at any time. The refugees talk of an increase in looting," UNHCR said. Endit