By Awan Achiek
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Friday issued a statement condemning a fresh attacks on internally displaced persons camp at the Adidiang island site, about 40 kilometers south of the state capital, Malakal in Upper Nile State.
The unfortunate Thursday incident reportedly left behind more than 17 civilians dead and another an unknown number of fleeing civilians are suspected to have drowned in the Nile River while trying to escape from the attackers.
More than 5,000 civilians had fled to the site last month, following a deadly conflict between rival armed groups in Tonga, further west of Malakal.
The latest attack has also triggered violent inter-communal clashes among some internally displaced persons within the UNMISS protection of civilians (POC) site, according to a statement from UN mission which also said it sent peacekeepers to restore order and provide robust security on site.
“UNMISS calls on the attackers to cease hostilities immediately and refrain from harming vulnerable civilians and internally displaced persons,” reads UNMISS statement.
The Mission further made a huge call of action from the state and national authorities to urgently de-escalate the situation and protect civilian lives.
“UN peacekeepers have been deployed to rescue drowning civilians and provide protection for the affected population,” reads another part of the statement.
The Mission revealed that it is engaging all stakeholders concerned, including feuding parties, authorities, and local communities to enable a timely and collective response to the new crisis.
