By William Madouk
United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (UNSRSG), Nicholas Haysom, has urged for speedy intervention measures to quell outbreak of violence in Malakal town of Upper Nile state.
In a press statement seen by this outlet, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan said they were deeply concerned about the violence that has rocked parts of Upper Nile State, which led to the deaths of several people on Thursday.
“Such violence causes lasting harm to communities and also prevents UNMISS from continuing our vital protection and peacebuilding work,” Haysom cautioned.
Tensions also remain high in the UN Protection of Civilians Site adjacent to the Mission’s base in the state, according to UNMISS.
The peacekeeping mission appealed to local authorities to swiftly act before the situation worsened.
“UNMISS urges state and local authorities as well as government security forces to maintain stability and order in the area, including around the UN Protection of Civilians Site and Malakal town,” partly reads the statement.
Furthermore, UNMISS called on warring parties to show restraint and use dialogue to resolve outstanding issues peacefully.
“The Mission is continuing to work with the state government, community leaders, and security actors to ensure calm prevails,” he concluded.