The United Nations has called for a full implementation of the ceasefire around Malakal and Bentiu as in the peace agreement between the government and the SPLM-IO.

The UN Headquarters in New York says new fighting reported over the weekend in Lelo and Bentiu has led to the displacement of more civilians.

Stéphane Dujarric, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, says more than 50 civilians sought refuge in a UN camp in Bentiu due to fear of renewed fighting.

“The UN mission remains extremely concerned by the fighting between the SPLA and the opposition which continues to prolong the suffering of the population,” Mr Dujarric told the media.

Mr Dujarric says more violence will worsen the humanitarian situation in South Sudan.

He added: “We call on both sides to respect the ceasefire agreed to by parties in July, and reiterates the need of fully implementing the peace agreement.”

On Monday, the Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations presented a confidential assessment to the Security Council on challenges affecting UNMISS and the deployment of a Regional Protection Force in South Sudan.

The briefing was to inform the Council members whether ‘it is time’ to consider measures such as sanctions and arms embargo, if it reports that the government is not cooperating with the force or obstructs UNMISS from doing its roles.

Details of that meeting have not yet been made public.