Legal actions should be taken against oil companies that are causing pollution in the areas around the oil fields, an environmental expert has said.

In 2013 shortly before the violence erupted, local authorities in Upper Nile and Unity states reported impact of oil leaks in the areas.

They claimed some women experienced stillbirths. Livestock also died in big numbers.

Nhial Titmamer, a researcher and policy analyst at Sudd Institute, says negligence by oil companies can have dangerous consequences on the environment.

He says communities living near the oil fields should sue the companies for the damage.

“They need to take legal measures based on the laws of South Sudan against the companies which are responsible,” Mr Titmamer said.

“The laws of South Sudan, especially the Petroleum Act, are very clear on whose responsibility it is for pollution. In other words pollution damage is the responsibility of the companies. The companies are liable for pollution.

“The impacts are not only on the people and the environment, they also on the companies. So if you mismanage the environment you must be held accountable.”

Mr. Titmamer said that the companies should be concerned about the health of the communities around the oil fields.

Oil companies have earlier insisted that they are protecting the environment.