The ‘untold suffering’ of South Sudanese people must end, the head of the UNMISS has told the UN Security Council.

There have been reports of renewed clashes in Upper Nile and Unity states. Over 300, 000 civilians, mostly women and children, were displaced.

Ellen Magrethe Loj says very worrying developments have also had a devastating effect on civilians.

“The untold suffering of the people of South Sudan must stop,” Ms Loj declared yesterday, as she presented to the Council the latest report of the Secretary-General.

“Every day without a political agreement contributes to a further deterioration of the situation on the ground, leading to greater displacement and human misery, and risks regional peace and security,” she added.

Ms. Loj said urgent action is required.

She urged the government and the opposition to renew their commitment to facilitate the work of the UN in the country.

For his part, the South Sudan representative of the UN, Francis Mading Deng, said that there could be no doubt about the common interest in restoring peace, security and stability in the country.

He said imposing sanctions on South Sudan is likely to harden the peace process.