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Sudan Tribune

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Probe Jonglei killings, UN tells S. Sudan government

December 9, 2011 (JUBA) – The UN Mission in South Sudan on Friday called upon government authorities and traditional leaders to strengthen efforts that will immediately violence in Jonglei state.

A man wounded man from the attack on Dec. 5 2011 on Akot in Bor County, Jonglei. Dec. 7, 2011 (ST)
A man wounded man from the attack on Dec. 5 2011 on Akot in Bor County, Jonglei. Dec. 7, 2011 (ST)
More than 40 people, mainly women, children and elderly were reportedly killed and several wounded during Monday’s attack in South Sudan’s most populous state. Several building were also destroyed and livestock stolen from during the attack on Jale Payam [district] in Bor South County.

“UNMISS condemns the attack and calls on the Government of the Republic of South Sudan (GRSS), traditional leaders and other authorities to strengthen efforts to put an immediate end to any further violence, and to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of these crimes,” said Hilde F. Johnson, the Special Representative to the Secretary General (SRSG).

The UN, she said, is particularly concerned over reported of mobilization of armed fighters in key communities within the state, and appealed to the southern government and traditional leaders to stop any form of such mobilization.

“This cycle of violence has to stop,” she said.

“While respecting their need to protect themselves, the communities of Jonglei should be encouraged to refrain from mobilising their fighters since this will only perpetuate the grisly cycle of mass violence and retaliation”.

She also emphasised the importance of the forthcoming Jonglei peace process, saying the practice must expand to include all communities within the state.

The SRSG further pledged its commitment towards supporting the church-led, inclusive peace process, in particular the ongoing preparations for the Luo Nuer-Murle peace conference, as well as the Jonglei state peace conference earmarked for January between the six main communities in the state, including the Dinka.

The church led Jonglei peace process was initiated to address intense rivalry between the Luo Nuer and Murle communities in Jonglei, often over cattle rustling, which has frequently sparked outbreaks of bloody clashes between these two communities.

The process, which mainly emphasises reconciliation between these two communities is chaired by Daniel Deng Bol, the Arch-bishop of the Episcopal Church of Sudan.

The year, a peace conference was held October 8 and 9 between the two
communities, while a similar conference is scheduled for January next
year.

Red Cross and UNMISS reach victims

South Sudan Red Cross (SSRC) distributed basic items to people displaced in Jonglei state’s village of Jalle as the first contingent of UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) began its patrol of the area which was attacked on 5 December.

UNMISS team and villagers in front of the remains of Luak (Dinka Bor tradtional building), Akot, Jonglei, South Sudan, December 6, 2011 (ST)
UNMISS team and villagers in front of the remains of Luak (Dinka Bor tradtional building), Akot, Jonglei, South Sudan, December 6, 2011 (ST)
The SSRC assessment in Akot village, Jalle payam (district) put the death toll at 41 including 13 children and eight youths with 36 wounded, 1,600 displaced, 36 homes destroyed and 500 looted.

It is not known whether the 12 missing children drowned in the nearby river where bodies were recovered on Tuesday, or if they have been abducted said a local chief said on Wednesday.

SSRC said it had visited 150-200 households and distributed blankets, mosquito nets and plastic tents by Wednesday.

Akot was raided on 5 December by gunmen local chiefs claimed were from the Murle ethnic group. All grain stores were either burnt or looted.

The SSRC says there is an urgent need for food and calls upon international non-governmental organisations and the government of South Sudan to speed up efforts to assist the displaced people.

At least 1,000 people are now known to have died in attacks this year in Jonglei state.

UNMISS troops started patrolling Akot village on 7 December, a day after UN force commander in South Sudan Moses Obi visited the area and pledge troop development.

(ST)

SPLA says army and SPLM should share blame for Jonglei deaths

Jonglei, S. Sudan: 40 people killed in village raid

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