The United States has expressed “grave concern” over the outbreak of fighting in Juba on July 7 and 8, and is urging all parties to the Transitional Government of National Unity to take immediate steps to reduce tensions.

A statement from the State Department calls on the leaders of the SPLM in government and in opposition to immediately direct their forces to disengage and cease fighting.

The State Department welcomed the joint public message by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, First Vice President Riek Machar Teny, and Vice President James Wani Igga calling for calm.

It says the U.S has pressed the leaders of the Transitional Government at the highest level to accelerate implementation of the peace agreement.

It further called for sustained cooperation, engagement, and reform to confront the country’s grave challenges which are essential to avoid a return to widespread conflict.

The U.S also urges South Sudan’s leaders to operationalize the security arrangements in the agreement, particularly by establishing Joint Integrated Police units to patrol Juba, empowering the Joint Operations Center to ensure communication and coordination between forces in Juba, and directing the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission to operate continuously.