JUBA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said on Tuesday that it is concerned about clashes in Upper Nile State and persistent tensions between organized forces in Western Equatoria State that have led to deaths, destruction of property, and civilian displacement in both states.
A series of violent exchanges took place between the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed youth in Nasir, Upper Nile State, on Feb. 14-15, resulting in deaths and injuries to civilians as well as armed personnel, UNMISS said in a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
Nicholas Haysom, special representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan and head of UNMISS, condemned the clashes which he said impacted a pre-planned UNMISS patrol, with a peacekeeper sustaining injuries during mortar shelling.
"I urge all involved to demonstrate restraint and immediately restore calm. I also strongly condemn any violence against our peacekeepers and reiterate that such actions constitute a violation of international law," Haysom said.
He said the situation in both locations underscores the critical importance of the full and rapid deployment of the necessary unified forces in accordance with the revitalized peace agreement.
"Vitally, as South Sudan commences the fourth extension of its transitional period on Feb. 22, parties must adhere to the agreement and urgently progress its implementation since it remains the only route toward a permanent peace," Haysom said.
According to the SSPDF and local authorities in Nasir County, four soldiers were killed and 10 civilians injured during the armed clashes. ■
