UN accuses South Sudan army of assaulting peace keepers

October 8, 2015 (NEW YORK) – United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York has issued a statement accusing South Sudan army (SPLA) of assaulting its peacekeepers, urging president Salva Kiir’s government to stop “hostile attitude.”

A statement released on Thursday said a patrol from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was travelling on Wednesday to Wonduruba payam, south of Juba, in Central Equatoria state, when it was stopped by government’s forces at a check point, physically assaulted and forced to return to Juba.

“UNMISS military and civilian personnel were ordered to exit the vehicle and were physically assaulted by the soldiers. In view of the highly hostile attitude, the patrol turned back to Juba,” said Dujarric, spokesman of the United Nations Secretary General, during a briefing to reporters in New York on Thursday.

“The UN Mission condemns such hostile acts and calls on the Government of South Sudan to investigate the incident immediately and hold those responsible accountable,” he said.

UNMISS also urged the government of South Sudan to reiterate clear orders to all concerned to give unfettered access to UN personnel, as per the Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA) signed between the UN and the government.

(ST)