Synopsis
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan has raised alarms over escalating violence between cattle herders and farming communities in Eastern Equatoria State, resulting in at least 35 deaths. The UN urges all parties to exercise restraint and work towards preventing future conflicts.Key Takeaways
- UNMISS expresses concern over violence in Eastern Equatoria.
- At least 35 people have reportedly died in recent clashes.
- Calls for restraint and collaboration to prevent future conflicts.
- Significant increase in abductions and sexual violence reported.
- UNMISS continues to engage with communities to enhance security.
Juba, Feb 2 (NationPress) The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed deep concern on Sunday regarding the rising violence between cattle herders and settled farming communities in Eastern Equatoria State, which has reportedly resulted in at least 35 fatalities.
Nicholas Haysom, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, vehemently condemned the ongoing violence and urged all parties involved to practice restraint, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"Such attacks and counter-attacks must cease," Haysom stated in a declaration made in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
Violence broke out on January 31 between pastoralists and settled communities in and around Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, leading to retaliatory clashes in the villages of Agoro, Chomboro, Obama, and Ayiii.
According to local officials, the conflict has left a toll of at least 35 dead and over 40 injured.
UNMISS reported that these incidents have instilled widespread fear and caused civilian displacement from affected regions in Eastern Equatoria and Lokiliri in the adjacent Central Equatoria State.
Haysom emphasized the need for collaborative efforts by national, state, and local authorities to avert future conflicts between herders and farmers, stating that the UN mission will persist in actively engaging with both communities and authorities to lower tensions and will deploy peacekeeping patrols in affected areas to enhance security.
An update from UNMISS covering July to September of the previous year raised alarms about a significant spike in abductions and combat-related sexual violence, compared to the same timeframe from the preceding year.
The human rights division of UNMISS reported that 299 non-combatants were killed between July and September last year, along with 310 injured and 151 abducted.
Additionally, more than 32 individuals suffered from sexual violence in conflict situations. The majority of killings and injuries were recorded in Warrap State, representing 60 percent of overall casualties, while most abductions occurred in Central Equatoria State, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the national total. The peacekeeping mission further noted that tensions between government security forces and factions of the so-called National Salvation Front continue to pose threats to civilians throughout the Greater Equatoria region, in violation of agreements established and signed by both parties.
