29 January 2013 - In a bid to address recent insecurity in Jonglei State's Pibor County, a South Sudanese delegation of government officials and local elders visited the affected area today.

The delegation, assisted with transport by UNMISS, were to assess security in the aftermath of violent clashes in Pibor town on 27 January between the Sudan People's Liberation Army and unidentified armed elements.

During their assessment, the delegation met with local leaders and civilians who are still taking refuge at a UNMISS county support base.

Some 2,500 civilians fled to the safety of two UNMISS bases when violence broke out. UNMISS provided water and medical treatment, and troops guarded the areas in which they were staying. The mission also evacuated two people from Pibor to the national capital Juba. Many have since left, but about 1,000 civilians are still at one of the bases.

UNMISS spokesperson Kouider Zerrouk said the mission "remains committed to protecting civilians, but underscores that the Government of South Sudan is primarily responsible for the maintenance of security and the protection of civilians".

"The Mission reiterates its call to all parties in Pibor to avoid further violence and urges the authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure security," said Mr. Zerrouk.