The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in South Sudan has condemned the weekend attack on Twic East, Jonglei State.

State authorities have confirmed that at least 78 people were killed — by gunmen suspected to be followers of the renegade David Yau Yau.

In an exclusive interview with Eye Radio, Hilde Johnson said UNMISS is investigating the attack on Twic East:

“This is a terrible abhorrent attack or several attacks that happened, which led to many, many lives lost and many wounded,” Madam Johnson said.

“And these killings are another sign that the cycle of violence continues in Jonglei and we really need to do what we can to end this cycle of violence.”

Madam Johnson said UNMISS has the mandate to protect civilians who are under eminent threat, but the government also has responsibility to protect the civilians:

“It is the government’s primary responsibility to protect its own civilians,” she added. “That is in the mandate of the Security Council for this mission.”

“There is no way we can take on any responsibility that the Army [SPLA] has; However, within the capability of the Mission, we are set to protect as well. We do that as much as we can within the resources we have.

“At this point in time in Jonglei, we can only have five companies in the state because of the rainy season and the logistics and the sustainment of the troops; that is the only number we can have.

“When we get to the dry season, we can manage to have eleven companies. This means that we are spread thin and we cannot be everywhere. ”

Madam Johnson also said following the attack on Twic East, UNMISS sent reconnaissance flights to monitor the movement of the attackers, aiming at pursuing them.

Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to South Sudan, Dr. Susan Page, also condemned the attacks.

In a statement she said the US Government condemns any form of ethnic violence. She said she encourages South Sudanese of all ethnicities to stand together peacefully in the face of this horrific attack.