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In a statement on Friday, the three countries expressed concerns over reports that Nuer youth and Agwelek forces were mobilizing for armed confrontation at the UN protection of civilians site in Malakal town where ethnic violence killed over 20 last month.
“The Embassies of Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States are gravely concerned by continued reports of mobilization of armed groups in Upper Nile State, including threats to those living in the Malakal Protection of Civilians (POC) site,” they said.
“We urge those in a position of influence to engage immediately in support of peace and security, and we call for those responsible for encouraging violence to be held accountable,” they added.
The Troika countries called for immediate deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces to boost protection of civilians and warned against obstruction of this objective which it said puts the interests of the people of South Sudan at risk.
“Reports of this kind further underscore the urgency of deploying the Necessary Unified Forces (the NUF), consistent with commitments in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement,” the statement said.
“Those who obstruct progress toward this objective are placing the interests of the South Sudanese people at risk,” they added.
