rki.news
Sources Xinhua

JUBA, March 2 — The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has voiced deep concern over escalating violence in Abiemnom County of the Ruweng Administrative Area, urging all parties to immediately halt hostilities and restore stability.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, officer in charge of UNMISS, said in a statement Sunday that unidentified armed youth carried out a pre-dawn assault on the Abiemnom county headquarters, leaving about 23 people injured. Reports also indicated that dozens of civilians and several local officials were killed in the clashes.
Amid the worsening security situation, UN peacekeepers have opened their base to shelter more than 1,000 displaced civilians and are providing emergency medical assistance to the wounded. The mission has also reinforced its protective presence around the base and surrounding communities.
“Such violence places civilians at grave risk and must stop immediately,” Gbeho said, noting that UNMISS is working closely with national and local authorities to support urgent efforts aimed at restoring calm and safeguarding affected populations.
She called on all actors involved to cease fighting without delay and pursue constructive dialogue to address underlying grievances. Gbeho reaffirmed that UN peacekeepers remain committed to protecting civilians seeking refuge at UN facilities.
Ruweng, an oil-producing region, has long experienced cycles of intercommunal conflict and political rivalry among armed groups. Tensions in Abiemnom have remained high since Feb. 27, prompting large-scale civilian displacement toward the UNMISS protection site.