By William Madouk
United Nations Mission in South Sudan is calling on community leaders in Malakal town, Upper Nile State, to discourage the alleged smuggling of guns into the Protection of Civilians (PoC) site.
The call followed eruption of deadly conflict between two communities at the PoC Site on June 8, which has since claimed over 20 lives and several others injured.
In a statement dated June 11, 2023, the peacekeeping mission expressed deep regret for the loss of lives and offered condolences to the affected families at the Malakal UN Protection of Civilians (PoC) site.
UN also urged community leaders to continue to cooperate with all stakeholders to address both the triggers and the root causes of the violence.
“The Mission is urging national and community leaders to discourage the smuggling of arms into the site. Leaders should also exert efforts towards preventing revenge killings and hateful narratives,” the statement reads in part.
The mission stated that they also engaged in consultations with community leaders, state authorities, and other officials to take steps to prevent the infiltration of arms into the PoC site.
But according to the UN Mission, these measures can only be successful with the effective cooperation of the communities.
The mission said that they have restored security and order by increasing the presence of peacekeepers among affected civilians, although the situation remains unpredictable.
“In collaboration with the government and various leaders, UNMISS is exploring additional measures to be taken to ensure the security and well-being of the affected communities,” it added.
Again, UNMISS lauded the state government and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) for their close collaboration in restoring calm, ensuring security, and protecting civilians displaced outside the site.
With the influx of returnees from the conflict in neighboring Sudan, the Mission and UN agencies, who are working tirelessly to mitigate the emerging tensions in the site, have earlier warned of looming conflict.
“Community leaders continue to play an important role in promoting peaceful co-existence and social cohesion in the PoC site,” UNMISS noted.
UNMISS, in its statement, said it will continue with discussions with community leaders as well as state and national authorities, for the management of the PoC site.
On Monday, local authorities in Upper Nile State beefed up security across the town and imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew as well as social gatherings as tension brewed after a communal fight erupted.
The deadly clashes involved members of two rival communities and resulted in widespread destruction at the PoC site.