Troika embassies concerned over killings in Kajo-Keji County

February 6, 2023 (JUBA) – The embassies of Norway, United Kingdom and United States are concerned over last week’s killings in Kajo-Keji County of Central Equatoria State, urging authorities to hold perpetrators accountable.

On Thursday last week, an attack blamed on armed pastoralists from Jonglei State claimed the lives of at least 27 civilians and left several others injured.

At least 2,000 people, mainly women and children, have become internally displaced, including 30 unaccompanied children, the United Nations said.

“The Troika Embassies express grave concern over the killings of more than 20 residents, as well as other acts of violence, in Kajo-Keji County in Central Equatoria,” partly reads a statement issued on Monday.

The embassies expressed their deepest condolences to families of the victims.

“We call on the transitional government to urgently identify and hold accountable those responsible for these deaths,” it stressed.

The Troika embassies urged the leaders address the root causes of the conflict.

“Leaders need to act to address the underlying causes of this violence to prevent further loss of life,” noted the statement, adding, “We call on all South Sudanese groups and communities to resolve their differences peacefully.”

The UN mission in the country (UNMISS) on Monday said it was shocked to receive initial reports of the deadly violence that claimed 27 lives and several others injured.

It urged leaders to encourage restraint and avoid fueling any further conflict.

(ST)