UN chief "deeply concerned" about tensions in South Sudan

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Wednesday said that he is "deeply concerned" about the tensions in South Sudan and called on the leadership of the two rival communities "to cease violence and to work with the government toward a long-term solution to the root causes of the hostilities." A statement, issued here by Ban's spokesman, said, "The secretary-general is deeply concerned about tensions in South Sudan between Lou Nuer and Murle communities" in Jonglei state. "The secretary-general commends the government's efforts to calm the situation and ensure that vulnerable civilians are protected," the statement said. "The secretary-general calls on the leadership of both groups to cease violence and to work with the government toward a long term solution to the root causes of the hostilities," the statement added. Also on Wednesday, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan ( UNMISS) urged South Sudan to take all necessary measures to protect civilians in Jonglei state after reports identified thousands of armed youth preparing to attack a rival community. Over the past months, UNMISS has consistently called for an end to ethnic violence in the region, and has deployed resources to prevent and mitigate conflict in the Lou Nuer, Murle and Dinka communities. The UN mission has also facilitated a reconciliation process between various communities, particularly the inclusive peace process led by the Sudan Council of Churches. UNMISS called on all communities in Jonglei State to put an end to the inter-communal violence and to actively and immediately engage in a reconciliatory peace process.