UN Security Council slams violence against civilians in South Sudan

UN Security Council on Friday condemned in the strongest terms the violence against civilians in the past two days, said a press statement of the council.

The violence, committed by elements of the Shilluk and Dinka communities, erupted at the protection of civilians site, a UN Mission base in Malakal, South Sudan, on Wednesday and continued Thursday, killing more than 18 people and injuring 50 others, according to the statement.

The members of the Security Council were particularly alarmed by credible reports about armed men in the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) uniforms entering the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) camp and firing at civilians, looting and burning tents, said the statement.

They called for calm by all sides and restraint from waging additional fighting, acts of violence, and further provocations. They also called on the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to swiftly investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that "it is the responsibility of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to hold those responsible for the attack accountable."

The Security Council also expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of those who were killed as a result of the violence.

UNMISS, established in 2011, is tasked with the protection of civilians, human rights monitoring, and support for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Endit