UN Mission Expresses Grave Concern Over Increased Violence In South Sudan

Peter Lokale Nakimangole

TORIT, 13 October 2016 – “The Mission condemns in no uncertain terms these acts of violence and attacks against non-combatant civilians, and reiterates its urgent call for an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities, and more particularly, an end to any form of violence perpetrated against unarmed civilians,” said UNMISS in a press statement.

The Mission further called on all parties to immediately end the fighting throughout South Sudan, and demanded that they ensure that their commanders control their forces and protect civilians and their property, cease all hostilities, and work together for the good of the people of this country.

In early July, close to the fifth anniversary of the country's independence, the youngest nation was plunged into fresh violence due to clashes between rival forces – the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), loyal to President Kiir, and the SPLA in Opposition, backing former First Vice-President Riek Machar.

UNMISS force in Leer has reported heavy artillery and gunfire exchanges between the two sides leading to several reported deaths and the continued displacement of the civilian population in the area into the bush and swamps.

According to the Mission, it has also received continued reports of clashes in Equatoria, and is verifying accounts of attacks by unidentified armed men on a civilian convoy travelling from Yei to Juba, which led to the deaths of over 20 people, including women and children, and retaliatory actions by responding military personnel, which led to the deaths of a further five civilians.

“The Mission is yet to be granted access to these areas to place us in a position to independently verify the reports on the ground,” said UNMISS.

UNMISS condemned in the strongest possible terms, any calls for a return to the violence that has plagued this country, urging all parties to cease the rhetoric of incitement, which is not the answer to South Sudan's problems.