The UN Mission in South Sudan says it has provided protection to more than 10,000 people who fled violence in Wau Town in an area adjacent to its site.

There were reports from civilians that UNMISS closed its gates to those who wanted to seek refuge at its compound.

UNMISS Spokesperson, Shantal Persuad, says there are set procedures to respond to civilians in need of protection.

“The gate is not the mission’s first line of response to the protection of civilians,” Ms Persuad told Eye Radio. “Opening the gate is only on an exceptional measure and it’s on a last resort.”

She said that UNMISS provided an area to accommodate those fleeing violence.

“There is an area which is adjacent to the UNMISS compound that has been cordoned and the peacekeepers are providing security.”

In a statement, UNMISS says it is currently negotiating with the SPLA for access to Wau town to conduct additional patrols to protect the civilian population in the town.

It says Wau Town is currently secure and humanitarian partners are providing basic assistance to the displaced people.