UNMISS deplores attack on Nassir Town, Upper Nile State

JUBA, South Sudan, July 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The UN Mission in South sudan (UNMISS) is gravely concerned about an attack that took place today in Nassir Town, Upper Nile State. The attack was carried out by opposition forces comprised of a mixture of armed youths and defected SPLA soldiers (SPLA in Opposition) loyal to former Vice President, Mr. Riek Machar Teny.

UNMISS notes that this attack represents the most serious resumption of hostilities since President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the former Vice President met in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on 9 May and recommitted to compliance with the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement they had signed earlier on 23 January. The attack is a clear violation of! the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

“It is deplorable that this major attack comes at a time when intensive efforts are underway by mediators of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to convince all parties to resume the suspended peace talks in Addis Ababa. It is also worrying that the attack was launched in total disrespect of the presence of the IGAD Cessation of Hostilities Monitoring and Verification Team who deployed in Nassir last month.” said the acting head of UNMISS, Raisedon Zenenga, today.

UNMISS calls for full compliance with the cessation of hostilities agreements by all parties to the conflict and their return to the negotiating table without further delay. /o:p

UNMISS reports that all of its personnel as well as members of the IGAD Monitoring and Verification Team stationed at the Mission’s base are safe and fully accounted for.