The United Nations says that “large numbers” of South Sudanese militia have moved into the Equatoria region to support a planned military offensive.  

President Salva Kiir announced recently his support for ethnic-based recruitment in the military to fill gaps if non-Dinka ethnic groups were unwilling to join his army. 

The UN Mission in South Sudan reports “that a large number of militia have been moving into the Equatorias in support of a planned Government offensive,” said the UN Spokesman in New York Stéphane Dujarric at an afternoon briefing yesterday.

He added, “In light of the warnings that we have received regarding the potential for genocide in South Sudan from the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, it is essential that all parties cease hostilities and any planned offensives. We will continue to monitor developments very closely and ensure that the Security Council is made aware of any ongoing or imminent violence that could harm civilians and further derail the prospect for peace in South Sudan.”

Peacekeepers also reported fighting in Upper Nile State saying, “it has observed Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) troops firing on Opposition troops at the Nassir airstrip in Upper Nile and heard SPLA troops firing rocket-propelled grenades towards Opposition positions in Kedbek.”

“The UN peacekeeping mission (UNMISS) was also informed by Opposition troops that the SPLA took control of Dablual in Unity following clashes in the area on 23 and 24 November.”

File photo: President Salva Kiir giving a speech in Juba last month during which he threatened Equatorians in his own government