The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) says it is deeply concerned about emerging reports of violence in Fashoda County, Upper Nile State, between Shilluk armed youth and Nuer elements.
In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj on Saturday, the UN Mission said the fighting is impacting the lives of many civilians, with reports of further displacements into Malakal and Kodok towns, where the situation remains tense and volatile.
“Tensions and sporadic violence between different groups that started in these areas in August 2022 have resulted in the displacement of thousands of people, as well as the harassment and killings of others, and the destruction of property,” the statement reads in part.
The Mission called on the authorities, key community leaders, and elders from both Shilluk and Nuer groups, in Jonglei and Upper Nile states, to use their influence to stop the brutal violence and prevent further suffering of civilians.
UNMISS urged the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) based in Kodok town to intervene urgently to de-escalate the violence.
The Mission appealed to those who mobilise the youth for violence in both communities to stop such mobilisation, and instead embrace peaceful means to address any grievance.
It also urged the IDP population in the Malakal POC site, to exercise restraint and not get drawn into this latest flareup in violence.
The Mission says it continues to safeguard humanitarian access, establish temporary operating bases, and intensify patrols in hotspot areas to deter violence.
“UN personnel will continue to work with political and traditional leaders to promote dialogue and intercommunal confidence-building and support efforts towards reconciliation and durable peacebuilding,” the statement said.