South Sudan's situation 'dire and deteriorating' as fighting in Juba rages

Explosions and heavy gunfire heard across capital for fifth day as
humanitarian crisis worsens and fears grow of return to civil war

Jason Burke Africa correspondent
Monday 11 July 2016 16.48 BST

The humanitarian situation in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, is dire and deteriorating, aid workers say, with hospitals shelled, food supplies running low, tens of thousands of people taking refuge in churches and many more displaced as fighting between government and opposition forces rages for a fifth day.

Explosions and heavy weapons gunfire was heard across the capital of the world’s youngest country on Monday, while local, regional and international powers called for calm amid growing fears about the return of civil war.

The death toll is thought to be more than 300, including scores of civilians, although there are few clear and reliable details on casualties from the fighting.

At least one hospital has been hit by shellfire, along with camps where the United Nations provides protection to people who have been displaced. On Monday streets in Juba were deserted except for people fleeing the ongoing clashes, locals contacted by telephone said.

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