The Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon has stated that there are emerging dangers of mass killings in conflict stricken South Sudan.
He is quoted by the Associated Press news agency to have said “There is a very real risk of mass atrocities being committed in South Sudan, in particular following the sharp rise in hate speech and ethnic incitement in recent weeks.”
Mr. Ki-Moon however assured that the UN will do all it can to protect civilians through the work of peacekeepers.
South Sudan has been reeling under heavy fighting between forces loyal to President, Salva Kiir and troops supporting his former vice and rival Riek Machar.
Millions of civilians have fled the country since fighting broke out in 2014 between government and rebel forces.
The UN chief said “It must be clearly understood that United Nations peacekeeping operations do not have the appropriate manpower or capabilities to stop mass atrocities.”
Mr. Ki-Moon believes government restrictions on the movement of peacekeepers in South Sudan has crippled operations of the UN mission.
Mr. Ki-Moon this month sacked the commander of the UN force in the country for failing to protect civilians in the capital, Juba months ago.
Source: Africafeeds.com
