UN Security Council mission visits South Sudan

A delegation from the UN Security Council arrived in South Sudan on Friday to help shore up peace after heavy clashes between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and former Vice-President Riek Machar in July.

A statement from the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said the visit comes after the 15-member council recently approved the deployment of a 4,000-strong protection force responsible for providing a secure environment in and around Juba, under the authority of the UNMISS in the wake of recent violence stemming from political differences.

The delegation co-led by the Permanent Representatives of the Missions of Senegal and the United States include representatives of all the other permanent and rotating member states of the Security Council.

The delegation is expected to hold meetings with Kiir and other transitional government members, with the aim of reinforcing the various messages contained in a number of resolutions that it has issued in relation to South Sudan.

"The council also aims to engage in discussions on how the UN Mission will continue to work with the government to improve the security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan," the statement said.

Council members will also engage with civil society organizations, community leaders, women and youth groups to obtain firsthand perspectives on the security situation, their needs, challenges, the impact of the conflict on communities, and solicit their views.

The council has, in its recent resolution, expressed grave alarm over the security situation and the ongoing violence in the country, as well as the dire humanitarian consequences for the people of the country.

It has also expressed extreme concern over reports of widespread sexual and gender-based violence and ethnic clashes, and plans to urge all parties to adhere to an immediate end to fighting throughout the country, during this trip. Endit