In response to the confrontations that occurred on
Saturday, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has increased the
frequency of its patrols along the borders between Unity State and Ruweng
Administrative Area.
The clashes, which claimed several deaths, destroyed
property, and displaced civilians, began on June 22 when officials from Rubkona
(Unity) traveled to Aliny in the neighboring Ruweng Administrative Area to
retrieve cattle stolen from their communities.
Fighting broke out between the groups during the planned
handover of stolen stock, leading to an undetermined number of deaths.
The peacekeeping mission said in a statement on Monday
that, following the incident, violence erupted in several other areas and
tensions remain high on both sides of the border, fueled by reports of further
mobilization of armed youth.
Civilians in Pariang, in the north of Unity State, are
also reportedly moving away from the town due to fears of retaliatory attacks.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, the
head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, said the mission has intensified patrols in
Pariang and will reinforce troop numbers at their temporary base to help
protect civilians in the area.
A peacekeeping patrol has also been dispatched to Manga
port, another area where there is a reported risk of violence, while a separate
patrol is being deployed to the site of the initial violence in Aliny in RAA.
“UNMISS is gravely concerned by the escalating violence.
We urge national and local authorities to make every effort to ensure armed
youth refrain from fighting and to reduce tensions and restore calm in the
affected areas," said Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the
Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.
"It is vital that disputes and grievances are
resolved through dialogue rather than conflict, which causes immense suffering
to communities caught in the crossfire."
