Civilians flee the UN Protection of Civilian Site in Malakal. | Photo: Courtesy

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) says at least three people have been killed and more than twenty injured in inter-communal fighting this morning at the Protection of Civilians (PoC) Site in Malakal.

In a statement to Eye Radio newsroom, UNMISS said the violence flared up in the early hours of Thursday morning, following a stabbing incident.

“Initial reports indicate that at least 3 persons have been killed (as of Thursday early afternoon) and more than 20 injured, with some of them receiving treatment at the Mission’s hospital,” the statement partially read.

The peace-keeping mission said it regretted the loss of lives and injuries to civilians and calls for an immediate halt to the fighting.

This is “so that the United Nations can continue to protect vulnerable families and de-escalate tensions.”

The Mission said it is also engaging with leaders of the various communities in the PoC site, as well as the state government. to restore calm and order.

It urgently calls on the fighting communities to immediately cease any violence and use dialogue to address any grievances.

Meanwhile, the Embassies of Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States have expressed deep concern over reports of the fighting at the Protection of Civilians (POC) site in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

“We are saddened by reports of casualties, including both deaths and injuries.”

The embassies called for calm and restraint and urged all those in a position to influence the communities involved to take all appropriate steps to end the violence.