By Kei Emmanuel Duku
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has appealed to state authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and Jonglei to enhance police and security presence in areas prone to cattle raids.
This, the UN said will guarantee the safety and protection of civilians and their property.
Priyanka Chowdhury, UNMISS Spokesperson, said there has been reports of mobilization of youth in both communities of Jonglei and Greater Pibor Administrative Area, causing fear among the populations.
Chowdhury stated that UNMISS is actively engaging with state authorities in both areas and plans to deploy additional peacekeeping forces to areas suspected of mobilization to mitigate tensions.
“We have increased our peacekeeping patrols in areas known to be traditionally prone to conflict, such as Gadiang, Duk Padiet, Manyabol, and other key locations. These intensified patrols supplement our routine operations. We have also reinforced our troops in the region,” said Chowdhury.
The Spokesperson urged the concerned parties to prioritize dialogue and other peaceful means of conflict resolution to prevent loss of lives and property damage.
She further added that, beyond engaging with state authorities, the peacekeeping mission urged youth, community elders, local authorities, women, and men in all communities to seek peaceful solutions to address the root causes of this conflict, namely the ongoing mobilization of youth from both sides.
“We will facilitate dialogue between the warring parties to enable them to resolve their differences through peaceful means, rather than resorting to attacks and counterattacks. As our mandate dictates, we will continue our engagements with all stakeholders to ensure people live in peace and harmony while maintaining a robust peacekeeping posture,” she added.
However, the UNMISS Spokesperson did not specify the exact cause of the conflict between the communities of Greater Pibor and Jonglei.
An inter-communal conflict has erupted in Gumuruk County of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), local authorities reported on Sunday.
The clashes, which began on Friday evening and are continuing, involve local Murle youth engaging in violent confrontations with armed youth allegedly from the neighbouring Jonglei State.