UNOCHA: Humanitarian situation remains dire, cattle raids an increasing concern

The United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) says more than seven million people are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance across South Sudan and cautions that the situation remains dire, despite an overall decline in fighting.

Despite an overall decline in direct fighting between government and opposition forces, cattle raids and inter-communal conflicts are an increasing concern.

Up to 20,000 people have been displaced by cattle raids over the past three months in the Jur River area alone, according to the latest UNOCHA humanitarian snapshot. 

The report also highlights sharp increase in food prices, rendering an estimated 6.4 million people severely food insecure.

According to UNOCHA, the number of people in need is likely to rise especially in areas cut off, with the onset of the rainy season.

Head of the UNOCHA South Sudan office, Steve O’Malley speaks to Sebit William about these trends and the general humanitarian situation in South Sudan.