South Sudan UN and rights experts warn against risk of mass violence in Jonglei

UN and rights experts warn against risk of mass violence in Jonglei

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is sounding the alarm over the threat of escalating violence in Jonglei state which is putting lives at risk and further weakening prospects for peace.

Inflammatory rhetoric calling for violence against civilians, including the most vulnerable, is utterly abhorrent and must stop now, Graham Maitland, Officer in Charge, said on Sunday.

Despite a 2018 peace agreement and the establishment of a transitional unity government, clashes and tensions persist. Clashes between armed forces, community-based self-defense militias, and other armed actors have forced thousands to flee their homes over recent months, and humanitarian access remains limited. UN experts are concerned that a further escalation of violence could lead to mass atrocities.

The Secretary-General's Special Representative for South Sudan called on all parties to protect civilians in line with international law. It is crucial that those in positions of authority promote peace, rather than inflame tensions, said David Shearer.

The experts stressed that perpetrators of atrocity crimes must be held accountable and reminded the authorities of their legal obligations under international law to prevent and prosecute such acts.

They underscored the importance of implementing the 2018 peace agreement and accelerating efforts to resolve outstanding issues, including by addressing impunity for past atrocities. Failing to address this will only lead to further violence and suffering, said a UN expert.

The experts also called on donors and humanitarian actors to continue to support affected populations with lifesaving assistance, including through enhanced humanitarian access.

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