Africa-Press. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed that he is “deeply concerned” about the ongoing escalation of violence in South Sudan, renewing his call for the protection of civilians.
His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said on Thursday that “Guterres calls on the Government of South Sudan and opposition forces to take immediate and decisive action to halt all military operations.”
Dujarric stressed the need to “de-escalate the situation through an inclusive dialogue that prevents the country from sliding into a new wave of violence.”
These remarks come after the army ordered civilians, as well as personnel from the UN mission and humanitarian organizations, to evacuate three counties in Jonglei State.
The decision is intended to pave the way for a military operation against opposition forces, raising UN concerns that civilians could face increased risks.
