The Troika is deeply concerned by the ongoing violence in Upper Nile state. Innocent civilians are again bearing the biggest cost, with tens of thousands displaced. This additional and unnecessary strain on an already stretched humanitarian system will only cause further suffering.
We are particularly concerned by recent reports of attacks perpetrated by Parties to the peace process. The Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) has the primary responsibility for the security of its people. We call on all members of the RTGoNU to make every effort to halt the violence, protect all civilians, and facilitate access for CTSAMVM to investigate claims of ceasefire violations. We call on the Government to ensure people have access to lifesaving humanitarian assistance and for safe, unfettered access of humanitarian staff and supplies to the area.
These events contribute to a growing pattern of violence and lack of accountability. We are still waiting for the government-led committee’s long overdue report on alarming incidents of violence in Koch and Leer. The disturbing report from UNMISS/OHCHR corroborated the 23 May CTSAMVM Violation Report. We regret the fact that the committee is yet to travel to affected counties. We further call on the government to deliver on its promise of investigating the events in Mayom County. The appointed committees must be appropriately resourced to enable their delivery on their mandates.
RTGoNU must ensure that appropriate action is taken to ensure officials and others who are responsible for instigating violence are held to account.