South Sudan: UN peacekeepers deployed to Kapoeta amid violence

JUBA – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) issued a statement this evening expressing concerns over the escalating violence in Eastern Equatoria state’s Kapoeta between locals and armed youth believed to have crossed from neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) resulting in the killing of hundreds of people.

In the statement, the UN mission said it has also decided to deploy troops to the area to help in the protection of the communities, prevention of further clashes and helping authorities travel to the area.

“The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is deeply concerned about deadly cattle raids over the past few days, by armed youth in the area around Kapoeta North in Eastern Equatoria State, reportedly resulting in scores of people killed, injured, abducted, and the theft of livestock,” the statement reads in part.

“The Mission rapidly deployed UN peacekeepers into the area to conduct a four-day long-distance patrol as a way of stemming the tide of violence and to build confidence among community members. UNMISS continues to maintain a visible presence and is engaging with local authorities and affected communities to further assess the situation and to prevent revenge attacks,” the statement added.

“UNMISS is supporting the travel of authorities to the area to conduct community discussions and diffuse tensions.

“The Mission is also working closely with humanitarian agencies and the local authorities, to facilitate and support the evacuation of critically wounded civilians to the nearest hospital in the state capital of Torit.

“The Mission is seriously concerned about reports of some youth planning and mobilizing to mount counter-campaigns to retrieve raided cattle.

“UNMISS appeals to the national, state, and local community leaders to take urgent steps to prevent the violence from spiraling, specifically to resolve disputes through dialogue; in addition to holding accountable those responsible for the violence.”