Members of the United Nations Security Council expressed shock and outrage at the attacks on U.N. compounds and protection of civilians sites in Juba following clashes on Sunday.
“The members of the Security Council reminded all parties, including government security forces, of the civilian character of the protection of civilian sites in South Sudan. The members of the Security Council stressed that attacks against civilians and UN premises and personnel may constitute war crimes” the Security Council said in a statement.
Of particular note, the Security Council said that those who attacked UN premises must be held accountable, and could be subject to sanctions. They noted that Chinese or Rwandan peacekeepers had been killed or injured in the attack.
It also said that the Security Council was ready to consider enhancing UNMISS “to better ensure that UNMISS and the international community can prevent and respond to violence in South Sudan”
The U.N. Security Council also emphasized that regional actors should attempt to bring an end to recent violence.
“The members of the Security Council encouraged states in the region to prepare to provide additional troops in the event the Council so decides,” the Security Council said. “The members of the Security Council encouraged countries in the region, the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, to continue firmly engaging with South Sudanese leaders to address the crisis.”