The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said it was deeply concerned about Nuer-Shilluk violence in the Upper Nile State.

“The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, is deeply concerned about emerging reports of violence in Fashoda County, Upper Nile State, between Shilluk armed youth and Nuer elements. The fighting is impacting the lives of many civilians, with reports of further displacements into Malakal and Kodok towns, where the situation remains tense and volatile,” the UN mission said in a statement.

The UNMISS emphasized that “tensions and sporadic violence between different groups that started in these areas in August 2022 have resulted in the displacement of thousands of people, as well as the harassment and killings of others, and the destruction of property.”

The UNMISS called on the government authorities, key community leaders, and elders from both Shilluk and Nuer groups, in Jonglei and Upper Nile states, to use their influence to stop the brutal violence and prevent further suffering of civilians.

It also urged the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, SSPDF, based in Kodok town to intervene urgently to de-escalate the violence. (ILKHA)