The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has urged the Government of South Sudan to intervene as the inter-communal conflict escalates in Tonj East.
The Peace Mission call came following Last week violent in Tonj East County of Warrap state that left 62 people dead, several injured with over 30,000 Displaced according to state government.
According to the statement extended to the media, UNMISS Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political) Guang Cong, emphasized on the need for government to stop the violence from escalating.
The Mission expressed worries that the violence may escalate if not properly handled.
He expressed in the statement the need for urgent intervention through measures that can bring the community together to exist peacefully.
“Urgent intervention is needed from the national Government to prevent the conflict from escalating to catastrophic levels and to bring communities together to peacefully resolve grievances,” Cong said in a statement.
The peace mission expressed deep concerned about escalating inter-communal violence in Tonj East, which has caused hundreds of deaths and the destruction of homes and widespread displacement.
The Mission urged the country’s leadership to intervene and deploy security services to address the situation.
UNMISS reassured that they’re intensively engaging with state and local leaders to calm the situation and has increased its peacekeeping patrols.
The Mission revealed that check point by armed youth remain a challenge as peacekeepers experience encounters in reaching some of the affected areas.
“While UNMISS is doing its utmost to deter further mobilization and conflict, the Government is primarily responsible for protecting civilians and we, therefore, encourage the Government to rapidly deploy security services to prevent further violence and create a safe environment for community dialogue and peacebuilding,” Cong added.
According to the statement extended to the Media, Mamer Bath Warrap State Ministry of Information reiterated government commitment to control the situation.
The information minister claimed that the security situation returned to Normal after the conflict.
“The security situation in Tonj East County has now returned to normal,” the statement added.
We are committed to restoring peace and ensuring that those who instigated this violence face justice.” Bath said.
