South Sudan is witnessing tribal violence in the center and east of the country, as rival clans use weapons, in light of the inability of the authorities to deter them, which has led to the deaths of hundreds and the displacement of thousands and exposes women and children to sexual violence.

During the past month alone, dozens of civilians were killed and injured in clashes in the eastern state of "Jonglei". At least 30 people were killed as a result of a clan clash in Lake State, while more than 200 women and children were subjected to kidnapping and sexual violence, and about 8,000 people were forced to seek safety in temporary shelters near the United Nations peacekeeping base in Pibor.

Maat Foundation for Peace, Development and Human Rights believes that the tribal conflict and escalation of violence only present more violence, at a time when South Sudan needs to affirm its national unity after bitter years of conflict. The Foundation reaffirms the necessity of a decisive end to such actions, in order to achieve Goal 16 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

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