JUBA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has stepped up peacekeeping patrols in and around the Bentiu internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, after a Wednesday incident resulted in at least five deaths and 33 injuries among civilians and security personnel.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of UNMISS, said Friday that the mission is collaborating closely with key stakeholders, including camp community leaders, state authorities, security personnel and youth representatives, to de-escalate tensions.
"Such violence is unacceptable. Civilians who have already endured displacement and insecurity must be protected from further harm," Gbeho said in a statement.
UNMISS will maintain an increased protective presence in and around the IDP camp to deter further violence and strengthen civilian protection until calm is restored, said Gbeho, calling on related parties to prioritize dialogue and step back from confrontation.
According to the UN mission, the arrest of a local spiritual leader sparked heightened tensions and violent clashes between security forces and civilians inside the Bentiu IDP camp.
Initial reports indicate that at least five people were killed and 33 others injured during the unrest. The security situation within the camp remains highly fragile.
