"The recent deadly escalation of hostilities in South Sudan is extremely worrying and threatens the very fragile situation in the country. The EU stands by those most in need caught up in the conflict. The emergency aid will address the overall deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country, providing crucial supplies such as food and nutrition, water and sanitation, protection and healthcare," EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides was quoted as saying in the release.
All parties to the conflict must fulfill their obligation to provide "unhindered and safe" humanitarian access to the people in need, Stylianides added.
An armed ethnic conflict erupted in South Sudan in December 2013, 18 months after the nation gained independence from Sudan, when Kiir accused Machar of preparing a military coup. Over a million people have fled their homes due to the conflict.
In August 2015, Kiir and Machar signed a peace deal that envisaged the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity.
