The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Monday condemned continuing air strikes in Jonglei state’s Fangak County, which have led to civilian deaths, injuries, and displacement as well as the destruction of humanitarian property.
A Monday UNMISS press statement said that on 3 May, aerial bombardments in Old Fangak led to seven civilians being killed while some 27 others were injured and a Médecins Sans Frontières pharmacy was destroyed.
“This (Monday) morning, an air strike near a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in New Fangak has damaged a dyke protecting people in this remote location from floods,” the statement reads in part.
The scope of the airstrike damage in New Fangak remains unclear.
Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative, said such violence against civilians and clearly marked humanitarian facilities is unacceptable.
“These attacks constitute a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Vitally, they contravene the Revitalized Peace Agreement and severely undermine ongoing efforts to establish durable peace in South Sudan,” he stated. “We call on involved parties to prioritize civilian protection by recommitting to the Peace Agreement and the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and actioning an immediate ceasefire.”
“We also urge South Sudanese authorities to investigate these incidents and hold those responsible to account,” added DSRSG Cong.
UNMISS said it continues to engage with all stakeholders, including national and state authorities, security actors, uniformed personnel, community leaders, civil society organizations, and international and regional partners to reduce tensions.