Resurgence of subnational violence ‘discouraging’ – UNMISS

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has raised concerns over the ongoing sub-nation violence in Leer County of Unity State and other states across South Sudan. 

UNMISS Chief Nicholas Haysom made the remarks during a press conference held in the UNMISS compound in Juba Thursday.

In his statement to journalists Thursday, Haysom who also doubles as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General condemned the attacks on civilians and humanitarians describing the trend as discouraging.

“I strongly condemn this violence and attacks on civilians but in particular attacks on humanitarians and the looting of the lifesaving supplies and assets, and these are unacceptable,” Haysom said.

“I am discouraged by the resurgence of sub-national violence along with the attacks by armed youths and militias that have turned the country from North to South from East to West. I was saddened to learn that only last week, thousands of people in Leer County in Unity State were forced to flee their homes following a surge of fighting along with disturbing reports of sexual violence, looting and destruction of civilians and humanitarian properties,” he added.

Haysom said women and children have continued to suffer the consequences of the violence in Leer County and other parts of the country.

“The civilians including women and children continue to bear the brunt of this senseless violence. And already this year 6 humanitarian workers have been killed in South Sudan,” he lamented.

Haysom called on the parties to the peace agreement to expedite the implementation of the peace process in the country.