Jonglei: Kiir condemns “senseless” killings, urges restraint

October 24, 2013 (JUBA)- The South Sudanese president Salva Kiir has condemned “senseless” the killing, by armed groups, of nearly 80 innocent civilians in the country’s remote part of Jonglei state.

“The President deeply regrets this senseless killing of innocent civilians that resulted into the loss of 79 lives, including women and children, while 78 others were injured,” partly reads a statement from the presidency.

The president, the statement added, directed the relevant authorities to immediately provide necessary humanitarian intervention to the victims of these attacks.

“He [Kiir] also directs for immediate investigation into this incident where several lives were lost and the culprits brought to book”, it further stated.

Meanwhile, the president reiterated commitment to peace, stressing that earlier amnesty calls to armed groups, including David Yau Yau were still in place. He, however, urged the general public to remain.

Susan Page, the United States envoy to Juba on Monday condemned the attack, pledging to work with the country’s leadership to hold accountable those responsible.

(ST)