UN Calls for Peace as Violence Claims Three Lives in South Sudan
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Synopsis
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for calm after violence erupted, resulting in three deaths. The unrest in Juba and other areas follows alleged killings of South Sudanese in Sudan, prompting protests and looting. UNMISS urges the community to maintain peace and refrain from spreading misinformation.
Key Takeaways
- UNMISS urges immediate calm in South Sudan.
- Three people have been killed amid the unrest.
- Violence erupted following killings in Sudan.
- Police rescued 45 Sudanese traders during the riots.
- UNMISS warns against spreading misinformation.
Juba, Jan 18 (NationPress) The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has urgently called for the immediate reinstatement of calm following a surge of violence that has claimed the lives of three individuals.
The unrest, which erupted on Thursday night, has resulted in an unverified number of casualties and widespread looting in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, as well as in other regions.
"We implore all South Sudanese to maintain this spirit of hospitality and collaborate to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all communities," stated the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, in a declaration made in Juba.
This outbreak of violence follows the reported killings of South Sudanese nationals amidst the conflict in Wad Madani, El Jazirah State of Sudan, earlier this week.
According to police reports on Friday, three individuals were shot dead, and seven others sustained injuries during the riots that erupted in multiple suburbs of Juba on Thursday night.
John Kassara Koang Nhial, spokesperson for the South Sudan National Police Service, indicated that the demonstration in Juba and Awiel was motivated by the killings of innocent South Sudanese citizens by the Sudan Armed Forces.
Kassara mentioned that the police successfully rescued 45 Sudanese traders in Juba, who are now safe within police facilities.
The killings, which were recorded on video after the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) assumed control of Wad Medani from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on January 11, ignited violent demonstrations across neighborhoods in Juba and beyond, as reported by Xinhua.
Haysom highlighted that South Sudan has been a crucial source of protection and support for hundreds of thousands of refugees and returnees fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan since its onset in April 2023.
"UNMISS encourages social media users to avoid spreading misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, which are exacerbating tensions and inciting violence," he added.
