Secretary-General Deeply Concerned at Recent Fighting in South Sudan

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the recent fighting between the Murle and the Lou Nuer communities in Jonglei State, South Sudan, resulting in at least 600 deaths, more than 750 wounded and a large number of displaced persons since 19 August.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of South Sudan to take all steps to restore security in Jonglei State, protect civilians affected by this violence and to work with both communities to reduce tensions.  The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) stands ready to assist the Government in fulfilling its primary role to provide security and protect civilians.

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For information media • not an official record