The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), AUMISS, IGAD, the Troika, EU and R-JMEC said they are gravely concerned about the escalating ongoing violence, loss of life and reports of alleged use of heavy weaponry in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, by armed youth from Jonglei state.

The escalating violence started on Christmas Eve following an attack by armed youth on the Bich-Bich area in the greater Pibor area.

The fighting erupted a few days after the UN mission warned that armed youth in Jonglei State were being mobilized to attack Pibor.

In a joint statement extended to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday evening, they urge involved parties to immediately cease hostilities, exercise restraint and respect human rights.

“UNMISS, AUMISS, IGAD, the Troika, EU and R-JMEC call on South Sudanese leaders to urgently intervene to stop the fighting and ensure the safety and security of civilians as well as unimpeded humanitarian access to people affected by the fighting,” the statement read in part.

The UN mission and the international partners also emphasized the need to investigate and hold accountable all perpetrators of the conflict, including those who are instigating and inciting violence and those responsible for the abduction of women and children.

They also encouraged national politicians and traditional leaders to persuade youth to immediately stop the violence and pursue a dialogue-based approach that focuses on restoring calm and peacefully resolving the root causes of the conflict.

“While the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with the Transitional Government of South Sudan, UNMISS and international partners stand ready to provide all necessary support to protect civilians in affected areas,” the statement added.

“UNMISS is intensifying patrols in conflict hotspots and closely monitoring the situation, noting that such fighting has in the past led to significant loss of life and large-scale civilian displacement,” it added.

The UN mission and the partners reiterated the call for an immediate cessation of “the violence that poses a serious risk to the peace and stability of the South Sudanese people.”

 They further requested the ceasefire monitoring body (CTSAMVM) to investigate the violence and urged the parties to the conflict to facilitate access.