The United Nation Mission in South Sudan is calling on the commanders of various fighting groups in the Equatoria region to “immediately cease all hostilities against civilians”.

The mission says it’s extremely concerned by reports of horrific violence perpetrated against innocent civilians, including women and infants.

“The Mission has received deeply disturbing reports of horrific violence perpetrated against innocent and vulnerable civilians, including women and infants,” it says in a statement.

It stated that the mission is also being denied access to these areas with insecurity.

The UN mission says the commanders should control their forces and protect civilians and their property.

It says the mission is also concerned about the attacks and displacement of civilians and looting of private property last month in Lainya County.

UNMISS also raised concerns over the displacement of over 100,000 civilians, and the unfolding humanitarian crisis as a result of the population not being able to move freely to tend to their farms or even feed themselves, because they have been restricted.

“We also call on the authorities to grant immediate and unfettered access to UNMISS and humanitarian actors, and to work together for the good of the people of this country.”