The UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations arrived in Juba Tuesday morning to meet President Salva Kiir over the security situation in the country.

UN agencies and humanitarian groups recently said the situation has deteriorated, especially with the renewed fighting between the government and Opposition forces, especially in the former Upper Nile State.

Some humanitarian groups, including the International Committee of the Red Cross earlier last month evacuated both staff and patients following an attack in Maiwut.

The discussions will also revolve around the political process.

In the 3-day visit to the country, Jean-Pierre Lacroix will also meet the head of the UN mission in the country.

“I look forward to having discussions with the President of South Sudan, with members of the Government to assess the security situation, to assess the political process and how we can help move that process forward,” Mr Lacroix told reporters upon arrival at Juba International Airport this morning.

This is the first visit Mr Lacroix has made to South Sudan as Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations.

The French diplomat was appointed to the current position in February this year.