JUBA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) announced Friday that it has ramped up efforts to ease tensions and prevent conflict in Tambura, Western Equatoria State, following a series of violent incidents that have forced thousands of people to flee their homes.
The UNMISS said these efforts aim to foster peaceful coexistence after unidentified gunmen killed four civilians and injured two others in Tambura on Oct. 25, amid other violent incidents.
"These incidents come amid unconfirmed reports of the mobilization of armed groups which have increased tensions and fear among local communities," the UNMISS said in a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
Special Representative of Secretary-General and Head of the UNMISS Nicholas Haysom said communities in Tambura, and across Western Equatoria, continue to suffer immense harm from intercommunal conflict, which has led to the loss of many lives, widespread destruction of property, and the displacement of thousands of people.
"We urge all stakeholders, regardless of their affiliations, to work together to reduce tensions, find peaceful solutions to challenges, and work at the grassroots level to support peaceful coexistence, so that people can live free from fear and uncertainty, safely carry out livelihood activities, and pursue development opportunities that will benefit the entire region," Haysom said.
The UNMISS said that due to the recent violence, the number of displaced individuals seeking refuge near the UNMISS temporary operating base in Tambura has risen from around 3,700 to over 10,500.
While emphasizing that civilian protection is primarily the government's responsibility, the UNMISS has increased day and night peacekeeping patrols in Tambura, adding that additional troops deployed in Tambura and Yambio when the conflict erupted in April remain in place.
It also highlighted its ongoing engagement with traditional and community leaders, as well as key political and security actors at various levels, including radio broadcasts to boost community participation in peace efforts. ■