Secretary-General, Concerned about Reported Loss of Lives in Escalating South Sudan Violence, Urges All Parties to Resolve Disputes through Dialogue

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

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the current escalation of violence between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and armed groups in Wau town and surrounding areas, in South Sudan.  He regrets the reported loss of lives.

The Secretary-General calls on all fighting forces to immediately suspend the hostilities, provide access to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and cooperate with humanitarian partners to facilitate the delivery of assistance.  He urges all parties to agree to dialogue to resolve their political disputes.

The Secretary-General commends UNMISS and the humanitarian country team for taking proactive steps to protect fleeing civilians outside their base in Wau.  UNMISS is in the process of deploying additional capabilities to the area to be able to address possible contingencies.