UNMISS calls on the government to resolve disputes to end the conflict
The Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of UNMISS Nicholas Haysom has called on the government to resolve its disputes both internally and with factions of Thomas Cirillo’s National Salvation Front as it recorded tensions between the government and splinters groups of the National Salvation Front citing a threat to the peace agreement.
According to Nicholas Haysom, the government to intervene action is necessary as this tension poses a threat to the country’s security, ultimately affecting civilians.
“Tensions between government security forces, and National Salvation Front splinter groups continue to threaten security and the protection of civilians across the Greater Equatoria region, violating the terms of the Cessation of Hostilities signed by both parties,” said Haysom.
“I call for concerted efforts by national, state, and local authorities, as well as community leaders to resolve longstanding grievances and find locally sustainable solutions to conflict drivers,” added Haysom.
The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission’s Human Rights Division recorded alarming levels of violence against women and abductions with 206 incidents affecting 792 civilians between July and September 2024. Of those affected 299 were killed, 310 were injured, 151 were abducted, and 32 were subjected to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
Despite these cases, UNMISS noted a four percent decrease in violent incidents in the country.
“Despite a four percent decrease in violent incidents compared to the same reporting period in 2023, the total number of victims increased by 24 percent. Additionally, while the number of civilians killed reduced by seven percent (from 321 to 299), injury statistics rose by 34 percent during the reporting period,” read a report from the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission’s Human Rights Division.
Haysom also urged the government of South Sudan to swiftly investigate human rights violations and abuses and hold all perpetrators accountable, especially after recording 206 incidents with Central Equatoria accounting for 69 percent of these cases.
Haysom stated that human rights violations have continued to be recorded in the country threatening durable peace.
“Vitally, I urge the Government of South Sudan to promptly investigate human rights violations and abuses and hold all perpetrators to account.” the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, and Head of UNMISS “I call for concerted efforts by national, state, and local authorities, as well as community leaders to resolve longstanding grievances and find locally sustainable solutions to conflict drivers,” said Nicholas Haysom.
