By King News
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed deep concern over a series of violent clashes in the greater Juba area, Central Equatoria state, which have left 24 people dead, including 19 civilians.
The attacks, reportedly involving former members of the National Salvation Front (NAS), occurred in Wonduruba and Ganji, sparking alarm over the escalating violence and prompting calls for immediate investigation and accountability.
In a press release today seen by King News, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, sounded the alarm.
“I am deeply concerned by these brutal acts and urgently call on the Government of South Sudan to conduct an immediate investigation to bring perpetrators to justice swiftly,” Haysom said,
SSRG, Photo from file
“Protection of civilians is paramount and must be respected at all times. There is no justification for the extrajudicial killing of civilians. International human rights law sets down clear rules, and all parties must abide by it,” he added.
UNMISS has intensified patrols across Central Equatoria and is engaging with state and local authorities as well as community leaders to access the area and prevent further escalations.
Amule Jongolose, an MP representing Wonduruba in the National Assembly, condemned the clashes and termed them a ‘barbaric’ and a ‘massacre’ against innocent civilians.
“We therefore urge the national government and CES government to investigate and bring those perpetrators to book and justice immediately,” he stated.
Legislators called on the army to ensure equal protection and treatment rights of citizens as well as investigate violations.
“I know that the governor’s tour of six countries and Wonduruba administrative Payam had been disorganized with these unfortunate, tragic killings and harm inflicted on innocent youth/citizens of CES,” Jongolose noted.