The United States says it is alarmed by the ongoing violence in South Sudan where the targeting of innocent civilians, ethnically motivated hate speech, and sexual violence is increasingly happening.
“The United States is alarmed by the violence in the Equatoria region of South Sudan and concerned it could quickly spiral out of control,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.
The United States said in the statement that more than 1,900 houses have been destroyed in the Central Equatoria since September.
According to Toner, South Sudan government deployed about 4,000 ethnic militia soldiers to the area. The State Department called upon the international community to impose an arms embargo and targeted sanctions to deter the ongoing violence in South Sudan.
The statement also called for the establishment of a special court for the world’s youngest nation.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to these crimes, and must ensure that all those who order, incite or commit violence against civilians are held accountable,” Toner said.
File photo: Mark Toner