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Deadly attack leaves humanitarian gaps in Jonglei region

Countries
South Sudan
Sources
UNMISS
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Thousands of civilians are in need of humanitarian assistance following an attack in Duk Payuel village last Tuesday which killed at least sixty-eight people and left 19 critically injured.

Local authorities and a team from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) visited the scene of the deadly attacks in the Jonglei region of South Sudan, which has forced some 13,000 displaced civilians to flee to neighbouring villages.

“It is completely a disaster area. Houses have been burned; food harvested this year has been burned. Children, women and old men are killed,” said the Governor of Jonglei region, Philip Aguer. “The area is full of graves and destruction. There is nothing you can see apart from that.”

“We have appealed to the humanitarians to come to rescue the situation, particularly shelters, food items and medicines,” said Mr Aguer.

It is reported that 58 children were also abducted and herds of cattle stolen during the attacks.

“I think we should live in peace. It is only when there is peace that there will be development,” said UNMISS deputy Commander of Sector East, Colonel Anthony Ntem. “We should learn to forgive. If we do not forgive, then the circle will continue and when it continues, then we will live in perpetual fear.”

David Shearer, who is the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, has condemned the killings and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

The deceased include women, children and aid workers.