South Sudan deserves peace, says UN mission head

August 11, 2015 (JUBA) –The head of the United Nations mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Ellen Margrethe Loej has stressed the need for peace and stability in the nation.

Loej, also special representative of the UN secretary general in South Sudan, visited Warrap state, a region that has witnessed communal violence in recent months, Tuesday.

“The people of Warrap and of this country deserve peace and stability, and I encourage people across the state to refrain from violence and to foster community dialogue and resolution of conflicts in peaceful ways,” she said in the Warrap capital, Kuacjok.

The visit, UNMISS said in a statement, was part of efforts to obtain first hand knowledge of the situation in the state, but did not specify which issues were particularly discussed.

Clashes between Aguok and Apuk communities of South Sudan’s Warrap state over cattle grazing area has cost many lives and displaced hundreds of peple in the region.

Governor Nyandeng Malek issued an order on Monday for disarming civilians. Armed youths, locally known as Gelweng have been accused of fuelling sectional feuds.

The gubernatorial order, effective within 72 hours, instructed civilians to voluntary handover guns and the army to forcefully seize them from non-complying individuals.

UNMISS described as “fruitful” Tuesday’s meeting between Loej and governor Malek.

“UNMISS remains committed to the people of South Sudan,” said the UNMISS chief.

“The mission is actively involved in conflict mitigation and community support,” she added.

(ST)