The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is calling on the authorities to investigate the Kajo-Keji deadly violence that has claimed 27 lives.
On February 2, a day before pope arrived in Juba peace pilgrimage, cattle herders from Jonglei state allegedly attacked Lira Payam in Kajo-Keji county and killed tens of civilians including four aid workers of Red Cross South Sudan.
Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nation and the head of UN mission in South Sudan is an opposition to the ecumenical peace pilgrimage which is meant to consolidate peace effort in the country.
“This violence is unacceptable and was in sharp contrast to the message of the Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage to South Sudan, which called for peace and reconciliation,’ said Nicholas
In a Press Release seen by The Radio Community on Sunday, Nicholas said the deadly attack shocked the mission and asking the authorities to hold the perpetrators of the violence accountable for the wrongdoing.
The UNMISS chief said about 2000 people, mainly women and children have become internally displaced, including 30 unaccompanied children due to the continued attack.
The government has deployed forces in the area to quell the violence.
Nicholas says he welcomed the Government deployment of troops to the area to quell tensions and protect internally displaced persons.
He says UNMISS is increasing patrols to the affected areas, and engaging the authorities as well as community leaders, to bring an end to the hostilities and seek peaceful solutions.
“We urge South Sudanese leaders to encourage restraint and avoid fueling any conflict,” Haysom added.
