UN condemns deadly communal violence in Warrap State

The Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General on Tuesday said the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has condemned deadly attacks by armed groups on communities in Warrap State’s Tonj North County on Sunday.

Farhan Haq, who was briefing the media in New York, said the attacks reportedly left more than 60 civilians dead and 50 others injured, along with widespread displacement.

“The nearly simultaneous attacks on Alabek and Akook Payams also led to the destruction and looting of property, including the theft of large numbers of cattle,” he stated. “The UNMISS Officer-in-Charge, Graham Maitland, said the intercommunal violence is causing immense harm to communities that are already vulnerable, and risks fueling further revenge attacks.”

“The Mission is launching a long-duration peacekeeping patrol to the impacted area to assess the security situation, investigate human rights violations, and help deter further conflict through a protective presence and direct engagement with communities,” Haq added.

He said the Mission stresses the importance of this and other patrols to conflict hotspots being carried out unimpeded and without delay.

“The Mission is engaging intensively with officials at all levels to de-escalate tensions and is urging the Government to strengthen security in the area and hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable,” Haq concluded.