Flags of the Troika Countries | File photo.

The Embassies of the United Kingdom, Norway and the United States have vehemently condemned the recent surge of violence in the Abyei Administrative Area, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 75 lives, including two humanitarian aid workers.

In a joint statement emailed to Eye Radio’s newsroom on Thursday, Troika countries consoled the families of the victims affected by the tragic violence and ‘strongly’ denounced the senseless act of violence against aid workers who selflessly provided crucial life-saving support.

The diplomats of the three countries urge the government, community, and religious leaders who hold sway to take immediate action to put an end to the ongoing cycle of violence.

“We renew our calls on all government, community, and religious leaders with influence to act with urgency to help end the cycle of violence,” reads the statement.

The three diplomats called on the transitional government to ensure that those responsible for the ongoing violence are held accountable.

They said the perpetrators of these acts of violence must be brought to justice, as this will not only provide a sense of justice for the victims but also serve as a deterrent for future acts of violence.

By holding the perpetrators accountable, the diplomats say, the government can send a strong message that violence will not be tolerated and that those who engage in such acts will face the full force of the law.

In the recent past, South Sudan had witnessed widespread renewed violence in parts of Unity State, Warrap, Abyei, and Central Equatoria State.