Statement warns of sharp escalation in Zhongli and restricted humanitarian access in Donglei

An unidentified speaker warned of a sharp escalation of violence in Zhongli and said reports from Donglei include aerial bombardment, mass displacement and severe restrictions on humanitarian access.

"In recent weeks, we have witnessed a sharp escalation of violence, particularly in Zhongli, with clashes between government and opposition forces," the speaker said, adding that "both sides claim to be acting in self defense, while at the same time preparing for the possibility of large scale hostilities." The statement did not identify the speaker by name or provide a venue.

The speaker described multiple humanitarian concerns in Donglei, saying, "The reports of aerial bombardment, inflammatory rhetoric, mass displacement and severe restrictions on humanitarian access observed in Donglei are of great concern." No independent evidence was provided in the statement; the remarks summarize the reported situation as described by the speaker in the transcript.

The statement said an entity named UNLIS has been adjusting operations to respond. "To mitigate these constraints, UNLIS has been adapting to the extent possible its operation to prioritize protection, humanitarian facilitation, and rapid response efforts," the speaker said. The speaker added that the mission is "recalibrating its operation to leverage available resources to sustain critical engagement, to accompany affected communities and institutions, and deliver essential services." The transcript does not further identify UNLIS or provide operational details or timelines.

The speaker urged regional and international actors to press for a return to talks: "the FANFRA community, including this Council, must ensure that the South Sudanese political actors step back from this dangerous precipice, return to dialogue and seek consensus on the way forward." The statement did not record any formal motions, votes or a timetable for follow-up action.

What was said in the transcript is presented here without additional verification. The transcript does not specify the date, venue, or the organizational affiliation of the person delivering the remarks.