UN urges S. Sudanese army to respect civilian sites
March 17, 2015 (JUBA) – The United Nations mission strongly condemned what it described as a breach of the protection of civilians’ site’s perimeter by South Sudan army soldiers.
“The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) says it is seriously concerned about fighting that took place this [Tuesday] morning and later this afternoon, in the vicinity of its compound in Bentiu, in Unity State, including an artillery shell which landed in the protection of civilians’ site,” Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson of the secretary general said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.
Renewed clashes resumed between the warring factions, with each side blaming the other for violating a ceasefire deal agreed upon.
There were reports of fighting around the UN support base in Renk, Upper Nile state, with mortars reportedly fired from the vicinity of the base.
According to the UN mission, the fighting around Renk follows an SPLA offensive in Wedakona, a few kilometres south of Renk.
The latest fighting reportedly constituted the biggest military action since the peace talks collapsed at the beginning of this month.
The UN, however, said it remains committed to maintaining the civilian character of its protection sites, and reminded the parties that these sites provide safety to civilians under threat of violence.
It urged parties to the South Sudan conflict to refrain from activities that undermine the sanctity of the protection of civilians’ sites, or hinder the UN’s ability to protect or assist civilians.
(ST)