The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday said it continues efforts to maintain calm in Malakal following an outbreak of violence in the capital of the restive Upper Nile State.
According to a statement extended to this publication, the Mission said that following last week’s outbreak of violence in Malakal, UNMISS continues to support efforts to protect civilians and maintain calm through intensive patrols and engagement with affected communities.
“The Mission commends the swift and ongoing responses by state authorities and government security forces to reduce tensions and keep communities safe,” the statement read in part. “The situation is currently calm but fragile.”
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS lauded the national and state governments for their collaboration in de-escalating the tensions.
“We appreciate the coordination and close partnerships with national, state, and local authorities which played an important role in ensuring that further escalations in violence do not take place and that people are able to resume their daily activities safely, he stated.
The Mission is working closely with government partners and has proactively deployed peacekeepers in and around the UN Protection of Civilians Site in Malakal to make sure displaced people are secure, the statement said.