South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities following reports of renewed fighting and escalating tensions in Eastern Equatoria state.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, the officer in charge of UNMISS and the United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in South Sudan, urged the conflicting parties to cease hostilities.
“These escalations must stop immediately. We call on all parties to pull back, engage in dialogue, and allow humanitarian partners unhindered access to those in need,” Gbeho stated on Monday.
UNMISS reminded all parties involved in the conflict that such violence directly contravenes the commitments outlined in the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.
The mission also reported that the recent incidents followed intercommunal violence, cattle raids, and alleged aerial bombardments in Ulang and Baliet counties in Upper Nile state, which have resulted in civilian deaths, injuries, and displacement.
Gbeho disclosed that UNMISS has strengthened patrols in hotspot areas and will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders, including authorities and communities, to prevent further harm.
“Furthermore, host authorities must uphold their responsibility to prevent conflict, protect civilians, and respond to community needs, especially at a time when UNMISS has been required to close its field office in Torit due to the UN-wide financial crisis,” Gbeho added.
On Saturday, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, spokesperson for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), and Lt. Col. Kenyi Mogga Lomeling, spokesperson for the National Salvation Front (NAS), issued a joint statement claiming that the SSPDF launched an assault on their base.
Louis Lobong Lojore, the governor of Eastern Equatoria state, reassured the public in a press statement on Monday in Torit that both Torit and Magwi remain stable under government control, with business activities running normally.
“The people of Eastern Equatoria State know very well that the towns mentioned are intact, the citizens are calm, and I am operating normally from my office in Torit, the capital of Eastern Equatoria State,” Lojore said.
