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Deadly Clashes in South Sudan Kill Civilians, Wound Peacekeeper; UN Calls for Calm
Violence between South Sudan's military and armed groups has led to civilian casualties and injured a UN peacekeeper. The UN urges restraint and calls for calm in the conflict-hit Upper Nile state.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-18
Deadly Clashes in South Sudan Kill Civilians, Wound Peacekeeper; UN Calls for Calm

Deadly clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPSF) and armed youth in the country’s Upper Nile state have resulted in civilian casualties and the injury of a UN peacekeeper, the United Nations reported on Monday.

Fighting erupted on February 14 and 15 in Nasir, a town in the Upper Nile region that borders Sudan. The UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) confirmed that some fighters used heavy weaponry, causing deaths and injuries among both civilians and military personnel. However, the exact number of casualties has not been disclosed by the UN.

Violence and Peacekeeper Injury

During the violence, a UN peacekeeper was injured in mortar shelling while on a scheduled patrol. Nicholas Haysom, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General, condemned the violence and called for immediate cessation of hostilities. He also reiterated that attacks on peacekeepers violate international law.

“I urge all involved to demonstrate restraint and immediately restore calm. I also strongly condemn any violence against our peacekeepers and reiterate that such actions constitute a violation of international law,” Haysom stated.

Tensions Continue to Rise

The statement also highlighted ongoing tensions in Western Equatoria state, which are reportedly between organized forces, although further details were not provided. The UNMISS cautioned that these persistent tensions underscore the urgent need for the full deployment of South Sudan’s unified armed forces.

Background of Instability in South Sudan

South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has been plagued by instability, marked by frequent clashes and political turmoil. The country endured a brutal five-year civil war between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, a conflict that left thousands dead and displaced many others.

A 2018 peace agreement called for the unification of the country’s armed forces ahead of elections, but this unification has yet to be fully realized. The UNMISS has stressed the importance of this unification to achieve lasting peace and stability in the country.
Tagged:

UN

Violence

Conflict

SouthSudan

Peacekeeper
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