Escalating inter-communal clashes in South Sudan are causing immense harm to civilians and risk threatening the peace agreement, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, David Shearer has warned.
In a statement to CRN, Shearer reports that between January and May this year; UNMISS recorded 415 inter-communal violent, the same period in 2018.
He warns that the scope and intensity of the current outbreak of violence could threaten the fragile peace.
Since December 2019, there has been an escalating cycle of violence in Jonglei involving the Dinka, Nuer and Murle communities.
‘Hundreds of people have been killed or injured, women and children abducted, cattle stolen, homes burnt to the ground and thousands forced to flee to escape the violence,’ said David Shearer.
Violent attacks by armed groups have also occurred in northern Unity, near Ruweng, as well as on the borders of Lakes and Warrap States with reports of further mobilization and potential revenge attacks.
He adds that ‘Fighters in uniform have been observed amongst those engaged in the violence indicating that more organized forces may be joining, which is a worrying trend,’ said David Shearer. Tensions remain very high and we urge the groups to lay down their weapons and come together to reconcile.’
Shearer adds that despite the COVID-19 challenges, UNMISS has carried out several peacekeeping patrols to the affected areas to deter violence and is engaging with key leaders to calm tensions and promote peace.
He says clashes are continuing in Central Equatoria between the National Salvation Front, government and opposition forces.
Shearer adds that the violence has resulted in the rape and sexual violence against women and girls, death and displacement of civilians and destruction of their property.