UNMISS calls for calm in South Sudan amid escalating violence following alleged killings by the Sudanese army. The situation has resulted in fatalities and injuries during protests, prompting a curfew. Leaders urge peaceful coexistence and caution against misinformation that fuels unrest.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for an immediate reinstatement of calm following a surge of violence that has led to numerous casualties and extensive looting in Juba and surrounding states. This unrest ensued after the Sudanese Armed Forces allegedly killed South Sudanese citizens amid ongoing conflict in Sudan.
UNMISS Special Representative Nicholas Haysom urged South Sudanese citizens to promote peace and communal well-being. He cautioned against the use of social media to disseminate false information and inflammatory speech, which exacerbate tensions and incite further violence.
In response to the protests, authorities imposed a curfew from dusk to dawn to maintain order. Reports indicate that at least three civilians were killed and several others injured during recent protests in Juba. President Salva Kiir condemned these acts as terrorism and urged citizens to maintain peace and refrain from vigilante justice.
Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, South Sudan has remained a refuge, providing significant support and safety to countless individuals fleeing the violence. UNMISS has consistently advocated for tranquility and coexistence among communities amidst these challenging circumstances.
The ongoing turmoil in South Sudan is deeply influenced by the conflict in adjacent Sudan, particularly the consequences of military operations resulting in civilian casualties. The situation in Al Jazirah State, where the Sudanese army reportedly perpetrated killings, has escalated tensions within South Sudan, prompting swift reactions from both local authorities and international missions like UNMISS. The call for disinformation control highlights a crucial effort to mitigate conflict inflamed by social media dynamics in the region.
The UNMISS emphasizes the urgent need for peace and mutual support among South Sudanese amidst inflamed tensions due to violence related to Sudan’s conflict. Authorities are taking measures to restore order, while President Kiir’s administration is calling for calm and legal adherence. It is imperative for citizens to foster community safety and resist the proliferation of hate speech in these difficult times.
Original Source: sudantribune.com