The United Nations Missions in South Sudan is setting up a temporary base in Lobonok, Central Equatoria state to deter violence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Special Representative of the secretary-general, David Shearer said the surge in arm attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers is disturbing.
“We are deeply disturbed by the increase in violent assaults on civilians and humanitarian workers who are working hard to ensure that communities get the assistance and care they need,” Shearer said
“This will enable us provide a protective presence in the area. We are also engaging other parties including the government which has primary responsibility for protecting all civilians,” he added.
In August, six bodyguards of the vice president of South Sudan, Dr. James Wani Igga were killed in an ambush on the road in Lobonok.
The National Salvation Front, NAS, a South Sudanese armed opposition led by Gen. Thomas Cirilo Swaka, issued a statement, claiming the responsibility for the attack.
On Monday, two civilians were killed and four injured in an attack on a vehicle between Yei and Lasu reportedly carried out by NAS soldiers, the statement says.
A few days ago, humanitarian convoy was attacked along Yei-Juba road. People were shot and trucks were looted and burnt, according to the statement.
The UNMISS head called on parties to respect peace agreements and protect civilians, saying “this violence is causing huge tension and putting the lives of civilians at risk. The parties involved are either signatories to the revitalized peace agreement or the January 2020 Rome Declaration so they should respect cease fire, stop the fighting and protect civilians.”
NAS declined to sign the September 2018 revitalized peace agreement. But it inked the Rome declaration on the peace process in South Sudan in which parties committed themselves to the cessation of hostilities.