The United States is said to be evacuating non-emergency staff from its embassy in South Sudan. This is due to an escalation of fighting in the capital that has killed scores including a Chinese U.N. peacekeeper.
The security situation in Juba Sunday that lead to death of over 270 people was termed as “sudden and serious deterioration.
According to CNN, fighting first broke out Thursday, with skirmishes between troops loyal to Kiir and soldiers who support his deputy Machar.
Fighting then flared up again on Sunday, with gunfire exchanged outside a U.N. building, after a lull Saturday when the young country celebrated the fifth anniversary of its independence from Sudan.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which held a closed door meeting in New York Sunday, expressed “shock and outrage” at attacks on civilians and U.N. compounds, saying they may constitute war crimes.
UNSC called on President Salva Kiir and his rival Vice President Riek Machar to control their respective forces, prevent the spread of violence and genuinely commit themselves to the implementation of a ceasefire and peace agreement.
This was also echoed by Kenya leaders who on the other hand appealed to the two leaders to sort the matter out and stop the fight.
“What we may be seeing is a total breakdown of command and control in Juba,” said Kate Almquist Knopf, director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.
“We need to watch carefully for whether a cycle of reprisal killings by either side begins in the next few days.”
Japan’s ambassador to the U.N., Koro Bessho confirmed the death of the Chinese soldier. Chinese and Rwandan peacekeepers also sustained injuries.
The Kenyan government expressed disappointment following the fresh fights which greatly affect innocent civilians that strive daily to enhance peace and unity, besides building the economy.
“Government of Kenya has learnt with disappointment of renewed fighting in Juba, South Sudan. It is a sad day for the young country whose citizens continue to sacrifice their lives in search of peace and prosperity. Kenya joins President Kiir and the people of the South Sudan in calling for restraint as efforts are being made to restore peace. It is encouraging to see the leadership of South Sudan jointly condemn the violence and call for peace,” noted government spokesman.