The calls follow allegations of attempted cattle raids in Gumuruk and along the western bank of the Nanaam River on December 14, as well as persistent reports of youth mobilization.
Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of UNMISS urged local authorities to take all necessary measures to prevent further escalation of violence.
“These reports of youth mobilization in Jonglei and Greater Pibor and the consequent potential for widespread conflict are alarming,” Haysom said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Haysom condemned the repeated criminal activity in those areas and urges all parties to refrain from further confrontation.
“We have intensified our patrols and continue to encourage relevant stakeholders in both Jonglei and Greater Pibor to deescalate the situation. But our peacekeepers cannot be everywhere,” he said.
He said despite the Mission’s efforts to engage communities, these cycles of mobilization for violence persist.
“Immediate and targeted interventions by authorities and communities themselves are needed to ensure clashes do not erupt,” he said.
“I, therefore, call on authorities, security actors, political parties, faith-based and traditional leaders, and youth and community members to collectively find dialogue-based ways to resolve issues.”
He said the UN Peacekeeping mission has reinforced its troops in the region and is patrolling known conflict hotspots to shore up community confidence as well as deter violence.
“I commend ongoing efforts by both sides to restore calm but, let me be clear: all parties must ensure the security and protection of civilians,” he said.
