The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is urging the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, (SSPDF) to diffuse tension in Kodok town, Upper Nile State.
The mission showed concerns over the emerging reports of violence in Fashoda County, where youth from two neighbouring communities clashed.
UNMISS noted in a statement stated that 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 violent.
The UN body therefore urged the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, SSPDF, based in Kodok town, to intervene urgently to de-escalate the violence.”
The mission appealed to perpetrators of the violence to stop mobilising the youth for violence, and embrace peaceful means to address grievances.
UNMISS also urged government officials, community leaders, and elders from both Shilluk and Nuer groups in Jonglei and Upper Nile states to use their influence to put an end to the heinous violence and prevent further civilian suffering.
It also urged the IDP population in the Malakal POC site to exercise restraint and not get drawn into “the latest flare up in violence.”
“In light of the ongoing killings and abuse of innocent civilians, we believe that there will be consequences for those who continue to perpetrate this violence,” it noted.
Tensions and sporadic violence between different groups that started in August 2022 have resulted in the displacement of thousands of people as well as the harassment and destruction of property.