FILE: The latest fighting in Cuei-bet was reportedly triggered by the killing of SSPDF officer Credit | UNMISS.

The Troika has expressed concern over “increased levels of violence across South Sudan” which comes as a result of “vacuum created by” absence of state governments.

The peace parties formed presidency and cabinet in February.

However, a disagreement over state allocations has been delaying appointment of state governors.

This, according to UN, has led to uncontrolled ethnic and inter-clan conflicts in some states, particularly in Jonglei, Warrap, Central Equatoria, and Lakes.

“In Jonglei, the vacuum created by the lack of governance has exacerbated cycles of inter-communal violence,” partly writes Troika in a statement, referring to recent deadly fighting in Akobo.

In May, UN reports showed more cases of sexual and gender-based violence in Central Equatoria.

This followed renewed conflict in areas around Yei town and Lainya. Local authorities mentioned both signatories and non-signatories to the September 2018 peace agreement.

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“In Central Equatoria, the ceasefire signed in January between the government and non-signatory groups has broken down and we have seen heavy fighting between forces in recent weeks, with villages destroyed and their communities displaced,” it continues.

Troika – which comprises the governments of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and the Kingdom of Norway – called upon the peace presidency to compromise and set up state governments.

“Any further delay creates uncertainty that undermines the transition process, slows the fight against COVID-19, and holds back efforts to end the violence that now threatens the hard-won peace,” it adds.

Besides its impact on the already weak economy, coronavirus has infected over 1600 people, and killed 15 – including alleged senior government officials.