UN mission calls for end of hostilities in S. Sudanese town

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Monday condemned increased fighting in the country's border town of Yei and called on warring factions to cease fire.

In a statement issued in Juba, UNMISS Principal Public Information Officer Yasmina Bouziane expressed extreme concern about the continuing deterioration of the security situation in Yei, Central Equatoria, where the mission continues to be denied access.

"The mission is alarmed that deadly attacks on civilians and looting of private property on Sept. 11 and 13, and the displacement of several thousand others from nearby Lainya County since mid-July, have affected over 100,000 South Sudanese in Yei, despite their civilian non-combatant status," Bouziane said.

The official said the mission has received deeply disturbing reports of horrific violence perpetrated against innocent and vulnerable civilians, including women and infants.

According to the UNMISS, more than 30,000 people have been displaced into Yei from surrounding areas following deadly attacks on civilians and looting of private property mid September.

The UNMISS said this is the first time that the population in Yei, mainly farmers living on commercial and subsistence agriculture, has become a direct target of violence.

Bouziane called on all parties to refrain from further violence and cease all hostilities. Endit