A photo showing temporary internally displaced persons camped at a temporary UNMISS base in Pibor. (Credit: File/Social Media).

Jonglei State and Greater Pibor Administrative Area governments must redouble their efforts to reduce tension among armed youth from both sides, UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said, days after fighting was reported in Gumuruk County.

On 14th December, GPAA authorities reported that villages in Gumuruk came under fire allegedly by the armed civilians from the neighboring Jonglei.

Providing update on the incident, GPAA Minister of Information Jacob Werchum alleged that armed youth attacked villages and raided thousands of cattle before crossing through the Gadiang border area.

However, Jonglei government has denied that the state youth were involved in previously reported mobilization and the cross-border violence.

UNMISS chief Nicholas Haysom said the alleged youth mobilization in Jonglei and Greater Pibor and the consequent potential for widespread conflict are alarming.

“UNMISS condemns repeated criminal activity in these areas and urges all parties to refrain from further confrontation,” he stated, in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement added that despite its efforts to engage communities, cycles of mobilization for violence persists.

The peacekeeping chief said UNMISS troops have intensified patrols and continue to encourage relevant stakeholders in both Jonglei and Greater Pibor to deescalate the situation.

“But our peacekeepers cannot be everywhere. Immediate and targeted interventions by authorities and communities themselves are needed to ensure clashes do not erupt,” Haysom said.

“I, therefore, call on authorities, security actors, political parties, faith[1]based and traditional leaders, youth and community members to collectively find dialogue-based ways to resolve issues. I commend ongoing efforts by both sides to restore calm but, let me be clear: all parties must ensure the security and protection of civilians.”

UNMISS further said the UN Peacekeeping mission has reinforced its troops in the region and is patrolling known conflict hotspots to shore up community confidence as well as deter violence.

The reported violence occurred after Nicholas Haysom warned last week of a youth mobilization campaign to attack GPAA.

Minister Werchum further revealed that a government delegation will visit the affected areas to assess the extent of the violence and causalities.

He appeals to the government of Jonglei State to investigate the matter, hold raiders accountable and return raided cattle.

But on 14th December, the Minister of Information in Jonglei State Nyamar Lony Ngundeng denied claims that local youth were involved in the recent attacks, suggesting that the perpetrators could be criminals from outside the state.

Ms. Lony confirmed that the youth in various counties remained in their respective areas and had not moved following the government’s recent communication.