UN Secretary-General Guterres Condemns Escalating Violence in South Sudan

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the increase in violence in South Sudan, stating that the crisis has placed the lives of millions at serious risk.
On Sunday, February 8, Guterres said nearly 10 million people in South Sudan require urgent humanitarian assistance. He noted that ongoing conflicts, attacks and security restrictions have severely hampered relief operations.
Guterres added that at least 11 medical centers have been attacked since late December, disrupting the provision of vital services.
He highlighted several serious incidents from the past week alone, including repeated attacks on World Food Programme convoys, an airstrike on a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital, and the burning of an office and health center belonging to Save the Children.
Guterres described these actions as "unacceptable" and demanded an immediate cessation of violence. He stressed that humanitarian services must be respected and that all parties are obligated to ensure the security of aid workers, UN personnel and civilians.
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