By Kei Emmanuel Duku
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has urged Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) authorities to redouble their efforts to reduce tensions among youth from both sides.
This call comes amid reports of attempted cattle raids in Gumuruk and persistent rumors of youth mobilization along the western bank of the Nanaam River since December 14th, 2024.
“These reports of youth mobilization in Jonglei and Greater Pibor and the consequent potential for widespread conflict are alarming,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of UNMISS.
“UNMISS condemns repeated criminal activity in these areas and urges all parties to refrain from further confrontation,” he added.
He added that UNMISS will continue to intensify its presence in hotspot areas and encourage communities to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
“We have intensified our patrols and continue to encourage relevant stakeholders in both Jonglei and Greater Pibor to de-escalate the situation,” Haysom said. “However, our peacekeepers cannot be everywhere.”
He appreciated the efforts already made by state authorities in both Greater Pibor and Jonglei to restore calm but called for additional deployment of more security forces to protect civilians and property.
Haysom emphasized the need for state authorities in both regions to take immediate action to prevent clashes in areas where mobilization is taking place.
He reiterated the importance of peace and harmony among the citizens of these regions and urged all stakeholders, including security actors, political parties, faith-based leaders, traditional leaders, youth, and community members, to work together to find peaceful solutions through dialogue.
Haysom assured that UNMISS will continue to reinforce its troops in the region and strengthen patrols in hotspot areas to bolster community confidence and deter violence.