By Philip Buda Ladu
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has strongly condemned the escalating violence in Tambura County, Western Equatoria state.
In a statement extended to No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, UNMISS said this month alone, 19 instances of intercommunal conflict have been reported, resulting in 13 deaths, two abductions, and the destruction of 62 homes.
The most recent incidents, occurring on 18 December 2024, involved gunfire that tragically claimed two lives.
Guang Cong, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UNMISS Deputy Head for Political Affairs echoed that “These escalations in Tambura are alarming and must stop immediately”.
He emphasized that while UNMISS peacekeepers are actively patrolling and supporting humanitarian efforts, widespread fear of further attacks is prevalent.
“While UNMISS peacekeepers are patrolling day and night, doing their best to shore up community confidence and support humanitarian partners in providing urgent aid, there is widespread fear of further attacks and counter-attacks,” warned Cong.
The Deputy UNMISS chief noted that the fluid situation in Tambura has led to an influx of people in the Internally Displaced Persons camp adjacent to the Mission’s temporary operating base, and several other similar camps.
“In addition to reinforcing our troops in Tambura, we continue engaging with authorities, political actors, security personnel, community and faith-based leaders to defuse hostilities,” added Cong.
However, he stressed that the primary responsibility for protecting civilians rests with the Government of South Sudan.
UNMISS welcomed the deployment of additional government security forces to Tambura and called for sustained government interventions.
“In this regard, we welcome the deployment of additional government security forces to Tambura. We also call for sustained interventions by the Government to restore calm, including conducting investigations to identify perpetrators and bring them to justice, as well as creating conditions for communities to reconcile,” stated Mr. Cong.
The security situation in Tambura has remained fragile since intercommunal clashes first erupted in 2021, despite ongoing efforts by UNMISS and South Sudanese authorities to resolve community differences through peace dialogues.