UN & U.S. Respond to Recent Violence in South Sudan

Since gaining independence in July, South Sudan has been plagued by internal conflict. Recent stories have been reported in the news about new violence erupting in the region – with much of it coming from an ongoing inter-ethnic divide between the Lou Nuer and Murle ethnic groups in Jonglei state.

Recently, 8,000 heavily armed men from the Lou Nuer ethnic group attacked the Murle village of Pibor, killing hundreds.This resulted in the displacement of more than 60,000 people, leaving them in urgent need of nutritional food, clean water, health care and shelter.

Though significantly outnumbered, 400 UN Peacekeepers were on the ground to curtail the deadly attack, warning the Pibor residents and flying helicopters to track the movements of the fighters and repel their assault on the village.

In response, both the U.S. and the UN have taken action to help support the struggling nation, with the UN taking the lead on the ground with strategic planning and operations.

The UN launched a massive humanitarian operationand United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) is establishing five permanent bases in Jonglei state to address this ongoing crisis.“We need permanent bases in Pibor, we are not going to leave it again. We are also going to remain in Bor, so that we have presence in Dinka, Murle and Lou Nuer [areas]," UNMISS Force Commander General Moses Obi said.

In support of the UN mission, President Obama announced he will be sending 5 military advisors to support UNMISS in strategic planning to prevent further violence in the region. The U.S. and UN continue to work together to strengthen Africa’s newest nation during this fragile transition.

For more information on the UN’s work in Sudan and South Sudan, please refer to the Better World Campaign’s website