March 27, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) called on the tribal parties in Jonglei state to exercise self restrain and refrain from retaliatory attacks.

Sudanse members of the Murle tribe, driven from their homes by Lou Nuer attacks throughout Pibor County in eastern Jonglei State, wait to receive food rations from WFP and non-food items at a distribution point in Pibor town, on March 21, 2009 (Tim McKulka/UNMIS)

UNMIS senior officers visited Jonglei State on March 25 to discuss the inter-ethnic violence in Pibor County and environs between March 5 and 13 that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and the displacement of an estimated 5,000 residents.

The delegation met with Jonglei State Governor Kuol Manyang and other officials and expressed the United Nations’ deep regret over the loss of life. It also appealed to exercise restraint and refrain from retaliatory attacks related to chronicle cattle-raiding activity in the region.

UN agencies responded quickly to the humanitarian situation on the ground. World Food Programme food supplies have been delivered to the town of Pibor and UNICEF has released 500 non-food item kits that the International Office on Migration is transporting to the affected areas.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and UNMIS Civil Affairs have conducted assessments in both Nyeri and Akobo.

"U.N. agencies have worked closely with the Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission and the Jonglei State Government to provide immediate assistance to area residents in the aftermath of the attacks," said U.N. Deputy Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Southern Sudan Lise Grande.

"We will continue to support the Government of Southern Sudan and Jonglei State Governor Kuol Manyang in ways consistent with the UNMIS mandate." She added. The mandate of UNMIS is focused on the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

(ST)