Youth are appealing to South Sudan’s leaders to prevail over their forces to prevent further bloodshed. 

The call by the National Youth Union comes in the wake of ambushes on passenger vehicles and rising insecurity in parts of the country.

“We urge the President as Commander in Chief and all parties to give strict orders to protect civilians,” said Albino Bol Dhieu, President of the National Youth Union. 

At least 33 people were killed and dozens wounded following an attack on a passenger bus along the Juba-Yei road on Saturday 8 October. 

An unspecified number of passengers were also reportedly killed in an ambush on three passenger buses along the Juba-Nimule road on Monday 10 October.

Dhieu called for the cantonment of forces in accordance with the peace agreement and made a direct appeal to the country’s leaders: 

“Stick to political will as the only tool to solving the South Sudan crisis’, he said and added:

“The responsibility of the youth and civil society in South Sudan is to intercede to stop further killings,” he added.    

The National Youth Union urged for calm and unity in the interest of peace.