Inter-communal fighting fuels repeated cycles of violence in South Sudan – UN envoy

JUBA – The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, on Wednesday warned that inter-communal conflict would fuel repeated cycles of violence in the world’s youngest nation.

Haysom issued this warning during a press conference held on Wednesday at the mission head’s office in Juba.

“Even with these positive developments, as I shared with the Security Council, inter-communal conflict continues to fuel repeated cycles of violence. These have the potential to erode the gains made towards sustaining peace across South Sudan,” the UN diplomat said.

Haysom said SPLM-IO infighting in Upper Nile State has displaced thousands of people.

“Most recently, the fighting between SPLM/A-IO opposition forces and the Kitgwang and Agwelek factions has displaced thousands of people within Upper Nile, to Jonglei, Unity states, and parts of Sudan.

Haysom disclosed that over 14,000 have been displaced and sought refuge at the Malakal Protection of Civilians (POC) site.

“We also strongly condemn the violence in Mayom, Unity State, and in Rualbet and most recently Anet in Warrap, resulting in casualties and the mass displacement of women, children, and the elderly.”

He revealed that the UN mission is working closely with State authorities and humanitarian agencies to support sustainable solutions in Malakal.

“It is urgent to prevent overcrowding, the outbreak of disease, as well as maintain peace within the community living within the UN Protection of Civilian site.”

The head of the UN Mission said that in recent days, the Twic and Ngok Dinka Conflict has created a new wave of refugees in Abyei, Warrap, and Northern Bahr El Ghazal.

“Since 23 September about 3,500 vulnerable persons have been displaced to various bomas in Twic County.”

He said the mission is trying to create zones of protection in conflict hotspots within their means and capacity in conflict-affected areas.

“They began a process of seeking common ground through dialogue following a series of cattle raids and clashes between local communities and some national security forces.”