The United States government strongly condemned the interethnic violence taking place in Pibor County, Jonglei state, between Murle and Lou Nuer youths.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the Office of Public Affairs at the
US Embassy in Juba urged ‘the government and community leaders to call on all armed youth to lay down their weapons immediately and return to their homes.’
The statement asked ‘all actors on the ground, including David Yau Yau’s militia group and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), allow humanitarian agencies to reach those civilians and communities ravaged by violence.’
It expressed deep disappointment that the army did not defend civilians in vulnerable areas and it constitutes an abdication of responsibility by the authorities.
The US Embassy encouraged ‘all communities to return to dialogue and address long-standing grievances ‚Äì including returning abducted women and children to their families and ceasing cattle raiding, among other instigators of conflict.’