The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is intensifying efforts to support peaceful coexistence in Tambura, Western Equatoria, following violence which has caused thousands of people to flee their homes.
UNMISS made the commitment in a press release on Friday amid unconfirmed reports of the mobilization of armed groups, which have increased tensions and fear among local communities.
UNMISS noted that four civilians were killed and two others were injured by unidentified gunmen in Tambura on October 25, adding that there have since been several other concerning incidents, including the home of a female staff member, close to the County Commissioner’s residence, being set on fire on November 1.
“As a result, the number of displaced people seeking sanctuary at a site adjacent to the UNMISS temporary operating base in Tambura has almost tripled from around 3,700 to more than 10,500,’’ says the press release.
“Communities in Tambura, and across Western Equatoria State, continue to suffer immense harm from intercommunal conflict, which has led to the loss of many lives, widespread destruction of property, and the displacement of thousands of people,” it quotes the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, saying.
The agency disclosed increasing its patrols in Tambura, while cognizant of the fact that the Government of South Sudan has primary responsibility for protecting civilians.
It pointed out that the additional troops deployed in Tambura and Yambio when conflict broke out in April 2024, had remained in place.
UNMISS is engaging intensively with traditional and community leaders as well as key political and security actors at the local, state and national levels.
The mission’s Radio Miraya has also installed new transmission in Ezo and is extending coverage to Nagero, to increase participation in peace processes among all affected communities.
Haysom urged all stakeholders, regardless of their affiliations, to cooperate to reduce tensions, find peaceful solutions to challenges, and work at the grassroots level to support peaceful coexistence.
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