Unity state, South Sudan
March 1, 2022 — The United Nations mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) says it will ramp up patrols and continue to work with stakeholders at the state, national and local level to encourage dialogue and mitigate tensions and insecurity across Unity State.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia on Friday, UNMISS said fighting between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition under First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and local armed youths, which began in Mirmir Payam, has spread to several villages in Koch, Mayiandit and Leer counties of Unity State.
The UN pointed out that it plans to conduct missions to the affected areas to assess the situation and record allegations of violations and abuses.
The statement appeals to authorities to carry out timely investigations and urges the government to hold accountable those responsible for instigating and participating in the violence.
Two weeks ago, civilians have been reported killed, injured and forced to flee their homes. The civilian property was destroyed, and humanitarian supplies were looted. Between 22 and 23 February, local health facilities in Leer town reported that at least nine women gang raped.
“.. UNMISS strongly condemns the violence at a time when humanitarian needs are rising, and people are already reeling from the worst flooding in decades. The Mission urges national and local authorities to take immediate measures to reduce tensions and to prevent further escalation of the situation,” it concluded.
