Military tensions in South Sudan are rapidly expanding between Government forces and opposition militia as fighting continues in restive Jonglei state

The world's youngest country, South Sudan, is facing continued instability and violence as military escalation looms, following reports earlier this week that a senior army commander had called on troops to inflict indiscriminate violence against civilians in Jonglei state

Briefing journalists based at UN Headquarters in New York on Friday, Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer in Charge of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS),said Jonglei has becomea flashpoint for fighting, with civilians caught in the crossfire

With over 200,000 people displaced by the conflict this month, the senior official who also serves as Resident Coordinator warned of a sharp surge in cholera cases

Over 500 were reported nationwide this month whilst treatment centres are overwhelmed and critically short of supplies

Aid delivery difficulties

Although aid efforts are continuing with government support, access continues to be severely challenged by road and river restrictions that are preventing aid distribution and medical evacuations

The worlds youngest nation gained independence in 2011 but soon slid into civil war with fighting between forces loyal to the national army under President Salva Kiir and those supporting main opposition leader Riek Machar, who is currently on trial facing serious charges, including murder, which he denies

A Government offensive got underway this week in three counties of Jonglei following opposition gains All civilians and aid workers were urged to evacuate

Humanitarian facilities looted

Ms Gbeho told reporters that humanitarian facilities are being looted and damaged (including at least seven [sites] in Jonglei), assets are being confiscated, and aid workers intimidated, while the UN peacekeeping force is facing similar challenges

The disruptions to aid and peacebuilding efforts are having an intolerable impact on people, with the mission warning that all the conditions for a human catastrophe are present

Speaking online from South Sudan, Ms Gbeho underscored that despite the release of $10 million to support the humanitarian response from the Central Emergency Relief Fund,more support is needed

Restore peace

Despite the shortages of supplies, Ms Gbeho stated that the priority is to stop the fighting, protect civilians and preserve the peace process and to work with the African Union and the IGAD bloc of nations in the region to restore adnce to the[2018] peace agreement

Echoing theremarksof the Secretary-General on Thursday, Ms Gbeho reiterated thatthe solution to the current crisis is political, not military, calling on the country's leaders to take urgent, immediate action to cease hostilities, de-escalate tensions through inclusive dialogue, and return to consensus-based decision-making

A defining moment

To conclude, Ms Gbeho emphasised that the power to make positive change rests with the South Sudanese themselves

She described the juncture as a defining moment - a critical junction for South SudanThe decisions it makes now could either lead them on a path towards peace or to further conflict