The United Mission in South Sudan has condemned the ongoing fighting among armed groups in Fashoda County of Upper Nile state.
In a press statement seen by The Radio Community on October 11, UNMISS disclosed that the violence has so far led to the displacement of at least 8,000 people from Kodok town and nearby villages.
It said the violent clashes have also resulted in the loss of a significant number of lives and the abduction of women.
Nicholas Hayson, the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in South Sudan, and Head of UNMISS called for immediate cessation of violence.
He urged “all leaders affiliated to political, civic, religious, and traditional leaders to intervene in the situation so that peace and security can be restored in the state.”
He reiterated the mission’s readiness to engage relevant stakeholders to reach an agreement that would enable UN peacekeepers to embark on patrols to diffuse tensions and help end the fighting.
“UNMISS is providing security and doing its utmost to facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons making their way to the peacekeeping mission’s Kodok Company Operating Base,” the statement read.
The UN Mission has also called on armed groups to “respect the freedom of movement on the Nile River and its tributaries, straddling the states of Upper Nile and Jonglei.”
Fighting in Upper Nile state has been mainly attributed to forces loyal to former SPLA-IO Chief of Staff, General Gatwic Dual and forces of Agwelek under General Johnson Olony.
The two generals were formerly leaders of the SPLM/A-IO Kitgwang faction that broke away from Dr. Riek Machar’s group.
In mid-August 2022, military confrontation begun between the two sides in and around Tonga town leading to the displaced 15,000 people. Clashes later resumed in Adidiang, where thousands of displaced people had taken refuge.
The UN Mission in South Sudan is urging the feuding parties to immediately stop the violence and adhere to the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
