The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is outraged at the outbreak of violence in Juba on 8 July, which severely impacted on the civilian population.

The heavy fighting in Juba town and in close proximity to the UNMISS compound located at UN House Jebel prompted hundreds of internally displaced people to flee from the UNMISS protection of civilians site (PoC) 1 and into the UNMISS compound.  Several rounds hit buildings in the UN House compound.

UN peacekeepers have increased their presence on the perimeters of PoC sites 1 and 3, and enhanced their patrolling both inside and in the vicinity of the sites.  UNMISS is providing medical assistance to injured civilians from the PoC 1 site.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Ellen Margrethe Løj, calls on the parties “to cease hostilities, and avoid the mistakes of the past in order for South Sudan to move forward in peace”.