Pagak | UNMISS photo

The Troika member countries and the European Union have condemned the continuing violence in South Sudan.

They say there have been fighting between government forces and SPLA-IO at the border area of Pagak, which is believed to be the headquarters of the SPLA-IO.

In a joint statement issued last night, Troika and the EU said the Pagak fighting is a clear violation of the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Salva Kiir on May 22.

This, they said, “calls into question the government’s commitment to reach peace through the National Dialogue”.

“The Troika and EU repeat and endorse the June 12 call by the leaders of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for President Kiir to ensure that his forces respect the unilateral ceasefire, for the armed opposition groups to reciprocate the ceasefire, and for all groups to allow the unfettered delivery of humanitarian assistance to all those in need,” partly read the statement.

The government is yet to comment on the matter.

Last week, the UNMISS reported that the outbreak of heavy fighting risks cutting access to humanitarian assistance in the area with at least 25 aid workers evacuated in recent days because of the increasing insecurity.

Civilian lives are also at risk with 5000 people, from north of Pagak, registering in the town as they pass through towards Ethiopia seeking refuge.