UNMISS is extremely concerned about reports that large numbers of armed youths may be advancing towards the Jonglei State capital of Bor. These youths have been reportedly moving across the state for some time now, with a possible intention of attacking other communities.
UNMISS has been tracking reports of the movement of armed youths for several days but cannot independently confirm the size or location of these groupings. The Mission is conducting an aerial reconnaissance flight over Jonglei today to get a clearer idea of the numbers of armed youths and the direction in which they are headed.
The involvement of these armed youths in the ongoing violence would add a volatile and unpredictable ingredient into the precarious security situation currently prevailing in the country, and place the lives of unarmed civilians at even greater risk.
“South Sudan does not need another escalation of the crisis involving armed youth, pitching communities against communities. This can end in a vicious cycle of violence,” said the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Hilde F. Johnson.
The Special Representative has been in contact with a number of political and community leaders, calling for their engagement. UNMISS calls on all parties who can exercise influence over the armed youths to convince them to immediately halt their advance. To avoid further bloodshed, these youths should return to their towns, villages and cattle camps to avert a further escalation of the crisis in South Sudan.
UNMISS reiterates its call for dialogue between representatives of the government and former Vice President Machar to achieve a peaceful resolution to the current crisis.
For further information or media enquiries,
Acting Spokesperson: Joseph Contreras - contrerasj@un.org +211 912 1788 39