The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has raised alarm over the deaths of 24 people, including 19 civilians, due to clashes between armed actors in the greater Juba area of Central Equatoria State.
UNMISS said in a press release on Friday that it was deeply concerned by the brutal acts and called on the government to immediately investigate the matter to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The clashes reportedly involved attacks and counter attacks between former members of the National Salvation Front (NAS) and took place in Wonduruba and Ganji.
“I am deeply concerned by these brutal acts and urgently call on the Government of South Sudan to conduct an immediate investigation to bring perpetrators to justice swiftly,” the press release quotes Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.
“Protection of civilians is paramount and must be respected at all times. There is no justification for the extrajudicial killing of civilians. International human rights law sets down clear rules, and all parties must abide by it,” he added.
UNMISS says it has intensified patrols across Central Equatoria and was engaging with state and local authorities as well as community leaders to access the area and prevent further escalations.