World News in Brief: Fighting intensifies in Syria’s Aleppo and South Sudan’s Jonglei state, acute hunger in Niger

This article is published in association with United Nations.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres continues to be gravely alarmed by escalating hostilities in Aleppo, Syria, and mounting reports of civilian casualties, his Spokesperson said on Thursday. 

Clashes between government troops and Kurdish forces have intensified in recent days and tens of thousands of people have been displaced. 

Representatives of the Office of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria continue to be in contact with all concerned parties, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York. 

Civilians killed, health facilities shuttered 

The UN aid coordination office (OCHA) reported that as of Wednesday, at least five civilians – including two women and a child – were reportedly killed and dozens more injured, according to local authorities. 

Several health facilities have also been impacted, including three hospitals, with some reportedly ceasing operations due to damage and attacks.  Movement restrictions have also been imposed on key roads. 

“Since yesterday morning, thousands of families have fled their homes, with many seeking shelter with host communities in Aleppo city and the various districts of Afrin,” said Mr. Dujarric. 

Authorities have announced the opening of two humanitarian corridors for civilians to evacuate.  

Humanitarians are mobilizing resources to respond to the growing displacement, he said. A UN team in Aleppo has carried out an assessment mission to Yad Al Aoun camp in Afrin to evaluate immediate needs and the capacity to respond. 

South Sudan: Violence in Jonglei state sparks displacement, disrupts aid operations  

A surge in conflict and airstrikes in Jonglei state, South Sudan, has forced people to flee their homes and disrupted humanitarian operations, OCHA said in its latest update. 

Since 29 December, renewed fighting between the army and opposition has displaced some 100,000 people, mainly women, children and older persons, local authorities report.  

Most are now sheltering in remote areas, while others have fled to neighbouring states, with authorities in Lakes state registering more than 11,000 arrivals. 

Aid efforts affected 

Meanwhile, several humanitarian organizations in northern Jonglei state have relocated their staff due to the insecurity and instructions by parties to evacuate the area.  

Those organizations that continue to operate with local staff, report growing challenges including in restocking health facilities and sustaining other essential activities.  

“The situation is further compounded by reports from several humanitarian organizations that their facilities and assets have been looted or confiscated by both parties,” OCHA said. 

This is disrupting provision of essential health services for thousands at a time when South Sudan continues to grapple with food insecurity, disease outbreaks and the impact of flooding last year. 

OCHA continues to engage with all parties to ensure that aid can reach people safely. 

Food security experts warn of acute hunger and disease in Niger 

More than 1.6 million young children in Niger are suffering from acute malnutrition – with many more at risk, UN-backed food insecurity experts said on Thursday. 

The warning comes in an assessment from the international food security monitoring platform, or IPC, which noted that at least 306,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are also in danger. 

The security situation in Niger remains volatile following a military coup in July 2023, with jihadist insurgents still active. 

Although nutrition levels have improved since the last UN-backed assessment, there are still concerns for refugees living in Agadez, Diffa and Maradi regions. 

The worst conditions were reported in Diffa region that borders Chad and in Maradi region close to Nigeria, between August and November last year. 

While the situation is expected to improve between now and April – marked by fewer cases of diarrhoea, malaria and better food availability – conditions are expected to deteriorate again with the onset of the lean and rainy season in May.