(AFP) Violence in South Sudan’s civil war including the execution of scores of hospital patients is the worst seen for decades and is an “affront to human dignity”, Doctors Without Borders said Tuesday.
Thousands have been killed in the conflict in the world’s youngest country, while more than 1.5 million have been forced to flee since the war broke out in mid-December. Peace talks are stalled.
MSF, which has earned a reputation for working in some of toughest war zone conditions across the world, said the situation was the worst it had seen in years, even during the two decades long war that paved the way for South Sudan’s independence from Sudan three years ago.
Aid agencies warn of the risk of famine should fighting continue, and cholera is spreading, with over 50 people dead.
Fighting between forces of President Salva Kiir and troops loyal to rebel chief Riek Machar has been marked by widespread atrocities and, according to aid agencies, has pushed the world’s youngest nation to the brink of famine.
Kiir and Machar committed themselves last month to a third ceasefire deal, and agreed to forge a transitional government within 60 days. Fighting continues.
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