The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights on Wednesday said at least 166 civilians lost their lives, 237 got injured more than 20,000 have been displaced in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state since August amid an escalation in clashes between armed groups and between rival community-based militias, reported The UN News.
There have been sporadic violent clashes in South Sudanese regions where clashes over domestic disputes over water, grazing areas, and other issues often turn deadly.
Last week, the UN refugee agency said the conflict, which erupted in a village in Upper Nile in August, has since spread to other parts of the country.
“These killings, along with reports of gender-based violence, abductions, destruction of property and looting, are severe human rights violations and abuses and must stop,” UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.
He said if local authorities and community leaders don’t act quickly to de-escalate tension between the armed groups then the latest bloodshed might spread beyond the region.
“It is important that the government of South Sudan conducts a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the violence and brings all those responsible to account in accordance with international law,” the UN human rights chief said.
South Sudan’s military spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang said the level of violence had started to come under control since the military deployed forces to the area, pushing the fighters from rival communities back. He did not reveal how many soldiers had been sent.
“It is just a matter of time before the situation will be brought under control,” Koang said.
Last week, South Sudanese Salva Kiir appealed to all sides to embrace peace. His office said he was ready to do whatever it takes to end the violence.
The UN Human Rights Commissioner Mr. Turk urged the South Sudanese government to hold those responsible to account in line with international law.
