The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Secretary-General Nicholas Haysom has lamented the recent relapse to violence in Greater Pibor Administrative Area, just months after the presidency mediated the deadly conflicts.

“We are alarmed by the renewed violence between community-based militias, similar to the serious conflict witnessed in early 2020, the likelihood of revenge attacks, further displacement of thousands of civilians, and threats to life-saving food aid stationed in the area,” said Haysom, as quoted in the mission’s website.

The UNMISS boss acknowledged the January 2021 efforts by the government’s High-Level Committee, which was headed by Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga, to calm the violence.

The committee set up representatives from the warring communities and was to follow up on the implementation of the agreements after the all-inclusive peace conference that took place at Freedom Hall in Juba.

But according to Haysom, there is a lot that needs to be done from the side of the government and the mission to prevent another deadly violence.

“UNMISS is doing everything it can to protect displaced families as well as humanitarian personnel and supplies,” said Haysom as he went on to add: “…the protection of citizens, wherever they are, from militia violence is first and foremost the responsibility of the Government and its security officials.”

A UN report released in January established that Dinka, Nuer and Murle militias participated in the 2020 ethnic conflicts where hundreds of women, children and men were killed, maimed and displaced in the area.

Following the outbreak of another violence, UNMISS revealed that violence had led to the ‘‘increased displacement and the suspension of humanitarian operations in Gumuruk and Verteth.’’

“Any looting or destruction of food, storage facilities and humanitarian vehicles would be catastrophic for communities already experiencing the highest level of food insecurity in the country,” Mr Haysom warned.