UNMISS calls for ceasefire as violence escalates between SSPDF SPLAIO in South Sudan

Priyanka Chowdhury, UNMISS spokesperson, said the fighting, which erupted last week, has uprooted over 1,000 people, mostly women, children, and the elderly, from their homes.

But Data Charles, Commissioner of Morobo County, said more than 7,000 people have been displaced.

“UNMISS appeals to all military actors to refrain from conflict, prioritize the protection of civilians, resolve differences through dialogue, and ensure unimpeded access for peacekeepers to reinforce security,” Priyanka said in a press statement released on Friday.

Priyanka voiced the concern of the mission over the deteriorating security situation in Yei and Morobo Counties.

She revealed that the clashes between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO have triggered fear among the local population, forcing families to seek refuge at Morobo County administrative headquarters and neighboring Uganda.

For his part, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), denounced the use of violence to settle political differences.

“The continued reliance on violence undermines our efforts to transition from conflict to peace. We urge our leaders to embrace dialogue as the only path to political resolution,” Yakani said.

sudanspost.com