The Embassies of Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States on Monday said they are deeply concerned by ongoing violence in Rumameer County, Abyei Administrative Area, and Twic County, Warrap State.

In a statement, the tripartite also expressed their deepest condolences to the families and communities where casualties occurred during the recent fighting.

“We call for calm and restraint, and urge all those in a position to influence the communities involved to take all appropriate steps to prevent further escalation and push for an end of the violence,” the Troika statement read in part. “The Troika notes our particular concern at ongoing UNISFA reports of SSPDF presence in Abyei, increasing the presence of weapons in the region and threatening Abyei’s demilitarized status.”

“We renew our calls upon the Transitional Government to urgently withdraw its troops in line with its commitments under the 2011 Status of Forces Agreement,” it added.