Troika voice concerns over ongoing violence in Upper Nile

JUBA – The Troika countries of the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway Thursday issued a statement to express concern over continued violence between rival armed groups in Upper Nile State, a northern region.

“The Troika is deeply concerned by ongoing violence in Upper Nile State. Innocent civilians are again bearing the biggest cost,” said a statement extended to Sudans Post on Thursday.

The recent deadly fighting in Adidiang village displaced 8,000 civilians, while flooding is hindering their access to humanitarian aid while others sought refuge at the UN base.

“With tens of thousands displaced. This additional and necessary strain on an already stretched humanitarian system will only cause suffering,” it said.

It called on the government to take primary responsibility for protecting its civilians with their properties.

“We are particularly concerned by recent reports of an attack perpetrated by parties to the peace process. The Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) has the primary responsibility for security of people,” it said.

“We call on all members of the RTGoUN to make every effort to halt the violence. Protect all civilians, and facilitate access for   CTSAMVM to investigate claims of ceasefire violations.”

The Troika nations also called on the government to ensure people have access to lifesaving humanitarian assistance and safe, unfettered access to humanitarian staff and supplies to the area.

“These events contribute to the growing pattern of violence and lack of accountability. We are still waiting for the government-led committee’s long overdue report on alarming incidents of violence in Koch and Leer,” it said.

“We regret the fact that the committee is yet to travel to affected counties. We further call on the government to deliver on the promise of investigating the events in Mayom County.”

It said the recent committee formed to investigate killing in Upper Nile State must be appropriately resourced to enable the delivery on their mandates.

“RTGoNU must ensure that appropriate action is taken to ensure officials and others who are responsible for violence are held to account.”