The head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan Ellen Margrethe Loj met with Chol Thon, the appointed governor of the proposed Eastern Nile state in Malakal town on Tuesday.

Loj travelled to Malakal to assess the situation and meet with people who sought protection in the UN base there, as well as UN staff and aid workers, according to a press release from UNMISS. She also met with people who left the UN base for Malakal town following fighting in the base in mid-February which killed about two dozen people.

"Before returning to Malakal airport, SRSG Loj paid a courtesy call to the Governor of the newly created Eastern Nile State," the press release said without giving further details of the meeting.

Some 40,000 people had sought the UN's protection prior to the fighting in mid-February. The fighting allegedly involved Dinka and Shilluk youths inside as well as SPLA soldiers who attacked from outside the base. Chol Thon denied instigating the violence.

"I urge all responsible parties to refrain from any actions or statements that escalate tensions, and to respect the rules governing UN protection sites -- including no weapons inside protection sites," Loj said during her visit to Malakal, according to the press release.

Loj told community representaties that "UNMISS and partners will continue to engage with local authorities in Malakal to restore calm and resolve differences through dialogue."

Eastern Nile state was established by a unilateral order by President Salva Kiir in December as one of 28 new states in South Sudan. However, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development urged a halt to implementation of the creation of the 28 states because it conflicts with the peace agreement.

Related:

Eastern Nile governor denies instigating Malakal clashes (29 Feb.)

S Sudan president summons governor over Malakal killings (21 Feb.)

Mass killing at UN protection site in S Sudan (18 Feb.)