The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien, who is currently visiting South Sudan, has demanded unhindered access for humanitarian and aid workers trying to reach needy populations in Wau.

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) which oversees the implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement, has expressed deep concern about the prevailing situation in the country.

Rumbek was recently one of the most insecure towns in South Sudan. At times when I spoke with people in Juba and told them I was working there, I was met with pity. It was the example of how intercommunal violence can disrupt normal life in a major way. Not so anymore. The story has changed.