The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs has said the situation in Jonglei State is “very complex” due to on-going conflict.

Madam Kyung-wha Kang is in South Sudan to see first-hand the situation in Jonglei.

She visited Bor, Twic East and Pibor counties yesterday to assess the humanitarian situation in the aftermath of last month’s attack on Paliau in Twic East.

“You have both the disaster in terms of the flood, and also you have the insecurity with the spate of violence and with the armed groups still fighting the government forces,” she told Eye Radio who travelled with her on the fact finding mission.

Madam Kang also said the continuing violence in Jonglei underscores a huge humanitarian challenge the state faces.

“I know it has calmed down a bit, but there is always a potential going into the dry seasons are here,” she said. “I think (it) requires certainly at the minimum level a strong political will of the leadership of this country to address this at the national level, at state level, and at the community level.

Madam Kang said that political leadership is needed to solve the wide ranging problems of Jonglei. She said she had been reassured by talks with local leaders who displayed a sense of ownership. That in turn would encourage international partners to come and support the state.

“I have learned that peace is very difficult to bring about, there is a strong political leadership that is required to bring about stability and peace in this part of the country,” she said. “Humanitarian assistance alone is not enough, you have to lead that in a way that builds the resilience of the community so that there isn’t the cyclical wave of emergencies and assistances coming in. and I think the idea of resilience building has to be a part of humanitarian response.”

Madam Kyung-wha Kang said that it is important for the different communities in Jonglei State to build trust amongst themselves and live in peace.