UN concerned at 'horrific violence' in Yei and Lainya areas
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan has expressed its deep concern at recent incidents of violence in the Yei area as well as Lainya County.
“The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is extremely concerned by the continuing deterioration of the security situation in Yei, Central Equatoria, where the Mission continues to be denied access,” the mission's spokesman said.
The statement comes a day after a deadly ambush on the Juba-Yei road that killed more than 21 people.
UNMISS' Principal Public Information Officer said they were also alarmed at deadly attacks on civilians and looting on 11 and 13 September, “and the displacement of several thousand others from nearby Lainya County since mid-July.”
“The Mission has received deeply disturbing reports of horrific violence perpetrated against innocent and vulnerable civilians, including women and infants,” the spokesman added. But he did not provided details about these incidents.
UNMISS says it is also concerned at the humanitarian crisis unfolding, with a population unable to move freely, tend to their farms, or feed themselves, due to various restrictions on their movement, and the inability of humanitarian partners to freely access the area and provide much needed assistance.
“UNMISS calls on all parties to refrain from further violence, ensure that commanders control their forces and protect civilians and their property and to cease all hostilities.”
South Sudan's government has denied the UN peacekeepers access to the Yei area.
File photo: Peacekeepers in Juba in September 2016 (UNMISS)
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