Shocked by Heavy Fighting in South Sudan, Secretary-General Strongly Urges Leaders to Take Decisive Action, Fully Implement Peace Agreement

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

I am shocked and appalled by the heavy fighting that is currently taking place in Juba.  I strongly urge President [Salva] Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar to do everything within their power to de-escalate the hostilities immediately and to order their respective forces to disengage and withdraw to their bases.  This senseless violence is unacceptable and has the potential of reversing the progress made so far in the peace process.

United Nations compounds and protection of civilians sites in Juba have been caught in the cross-fire.  I am deeply frustrated that despite commitments by South Sudan’s leaders, fighting has resumed.  They must take decisive action to regain control of the security situation in Juba, prevent the spread of violence to other parts of the country, guarantee the safety and security of civilians, United Nations and other personnel and genuinely commit themselves to the full implementation of the peace agreement.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan continues to protect displaced civilians and engage all stakeholders in order to end the fighting and restore security.