Juba, South Sudan (PANA) - Peacekeepers with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) are stepping up patrols, and engaging with various communities and authorities, amid a deteriorating security situation, the global organisation reported on Monday.
This comes as clashes continue in areas of Upper Nile State between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLA-iO), causing casualties and displacement.
Elsewhere, inter-communal violence in Warrap and Lakes states is also rising, with over 200 deaths reported in recent weeks, a UN statement said.
Meanwhile, the UN is highlighting positive developments in Abyei, the disputed oil-rich region straddling Sudan and South Sudan.
Sixty youth leaders from the Ngok Dinka community of Abyei and the Twic Dinka community of Warrap State in South Sudan recently signed an agreement committing to an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The parties agreed to re-open key routes enabling the free and secure movement of both people and goods. They also pledged to collaborate to counter misinformation and hate speech.
The accord was the result of a four-day dialogue attended by key peace partners including the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and UNMISS.
Both missions reaffirmed their full support towards these efforts and to strengthening dialogue and harmony between communities.
-0- PANA MA 15April2025
