 has condemed fresh attacks and violence by armed elements){kind=link}
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has condemed fresh attacks and violence by armed elements, targeted at internally displaced persons seeking refuge at the Adidiang island site in Upper Nile state.
The area is located about 40 kilometers south of the state capital, Malakal.
UNMISS says some accounts suggest that a number of fleeing civilians might have drowned in the Nile River. Up to 5,000 civilians had fled to the site last month, following deadly fighting between rival armed groups in Tonga, further west of Malakal.
The latest attack has also triggered violent intercommunal clashes among some internally displaced persons (of different groups) within the UNMISS protection of civilians (POC) site.
The UN stated that its personnel responded quickly to restore order and provide robust security on site.
UNMISS calls on the attackers to cease hostilities immediately and refrain from harming vulnerable civilians and internally displaced persons. The Mission is also calling on the state and national authorities to intervene urgently to de-escalate the situation and protect civilian lives.
The Mision furhter said its peacekeepers have been deployed to rescue drowning civilians and provide protection for the affected population.
UNMISS revealed that is engaging all stakeholders concerned, including feuding parties, authorities, and local communities to enable a timely and collective response.