UNMISS denies peacekeepers are reinforcing army garrisons

September 30, 2014 (JUBA) – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has dismissed as untrue reports that it’s peacekeepers allegedly installed barbed wire fences around South Sudan army (SPLA) garrisons to prevent the latter from abandoning their positions in the event of future attacks.

“UNMISS categorically denies these allegations and notes that, among other inaccuracies contained in the report, there are no Rwandan peacekeepers deployed in Renk, Nasir or Bentiu as claimed in the article,” the mission said in response to an article, which appeared on a pro-armed opposition website.

“The mission also deplores the growing tendency by individuals opposed to the efforts to restore peace in South Sudan to resort to malicious propaganda intended to exacerbate tensions and conflict,” it stressed.

UNMISS, in the statement, said it is mandated by its Security Council to protect civilians; monitor, investigate and promote human rights; facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance; and support the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between South Sudan government and its armed opposition.

“The mission has consistently maintained a stance of strict impartiality in the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, in keeping with its mandate,” UNMISS said, adding there was no truth in whatever was reported.

ARMY RESPONDS

Phillip Aguer, the spokesperson of the SPLA equally dismissed the report, saying the army was capable of maintaining their positions incase of any attacks.

“We are not aware of this development. Why should the United Nations mission in South Sudan construct barbed wire fence for SPLA forces? The SPLA forces are capable of maintaining their positions and there is no reason for UN to make fence around their positions,” Aguer said Tuesday.

(ST)