Norway and United Kingdom have called on the State government to tackle armed violence in Upper Nile state.
Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan, Ms Linken Berryman and UK Charge d’affaires Ms. Gill Lever are calling on the State and National Governments to work collectively and end the suffering of local people.
The diplomats also called for safe and free access to humanitarian aid. They say primary responsibility for the protection of South Sudan’s people lies with the Government.
“We are calling upon leaders at local and national levels to work together and do everything in their power to bring to an end the terrible violence and suffering, and to facilitate humanitarian access, in line with their Peace Agreement and Roadmap commitments.”
The delegations regretted the ongoing fighting that has been escalating and appealed for a plan of action to protect civilians.
“Fighting has been ongoing and escalating for some weeks but there does not yet appear to be a plan of action to protect civilians, mediate conflict and prevent further violence.”
Humanitarian organizations based in Upper Nile told the delegations that, the crisis in the state has been driven by violence and that only a sustainable peace would enable people to return to their homes and livelihoods.
“The situation here in Malakal is alarming and unpredictable. It is a great cause for concern that so many people should be fearing for their lives and fleeing their homes. The ongoing fighting is having a severe impact on civilians already displaced by conflict and flooding.
“The accounts we have heard are distressing. Women and children are suffering. People in the POC camp told us they just want to live in peace, but that they have lost everything and are “back to square one”.
The diplomats urged the Government to intervene to de-escalate the violence, protect the South Sudanese people by deploying it’s graduated first tranches of unified forces with great fanfare and hold those responsible to account.
“The unity Government graduated its first tranches of unified forces with great fanfare. It must now urgently intervene to deescalate the violence, protect the South Sudanese people and hold those responsible to account.”
Last week, the diplomats visited Malakal and met with local authorities in response to the ongoing violence that displaced civilians again.