The United States says the international community and regional countries are discouraged over the renewed fighting in South Sudan.

Fighting resumed in Unity State last week between the government and the SPLA In opposition forces.

The United Nations says more than 500 displaced people have sought shelter at its camp in Bentiu since the fighting began.

“The stories that have come out over the last week (in Unity State) have been shocking stories,” Michael Mc Carthy, the Charge de’ Affaires in the US Embassy, told Eye Radio in an exclusive interview.

He called upon both parties to commit to the cessation of hostilities agreement.

“So many countries, so many people and so much money has been put towards an effort to bring South Sudan back to peace. And cessation of hostilities agreements have been signed over the last 16 months; several agreements,” Mr Mc Carthy said.

“So, it is discouraging that both sides are not following the agreement that they signed.”

Mr. Mc Carthy says both parties are abusing and violating human rights in the fighting.

“Forces involved in the fighting, be they proper military forces or militias, are following below the basic human rights standards,” he added.