The UN mission in the country says Unity State officials want to expel its coordinator, Mary Cummin.

She is the head of UNMISS in the state. The reason behind the decision is not clear, but some officials have been quoted in the media citing a recent UN report on human rights abuses and violations allegedly committed by the government forces there.

Joe Contreras, acting spokesperson UNMISS says they are still seeking clarification on the matter.

“I express to you that Mary Cummin, the state coordinator of UNMISS, should not return to duty station in Bentiu,” Mr Contreras said.

“We are engaging with national authorities as well as senior officials in the Unity State government to clarify the situation.”

Officials from the Unity State government are yet to comment.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has not received any information about the need to expel Mary Cummin.

“Normally, what happens is that if there is any decision to be taken by a state as regarding the United Nations employees, you know, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs always needs to be put in the picture about the decision taken,” said Ambassador Mawien Makol, spokesperson.

“So we are waiting to be informed by the state about the reasons why they don’t want this UN personnel…..to go back to her position.”

The decision by the state government comes a month after the expulsion of UN humanitarian coordinator, Toby Lanzer.

The national government accused him of making negative statements about the economy.