Juba, 01 March 2026 — The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is alarmed by surging violence in Abiemnom, Ruweng Administrative Area, in the past 48 hours.
Early this morning, unidentified armed youth attacked Abiemnom county headquarters, wounding some 23 people. In response to the deteriorating security situation, peacekeepers are temporarily sheltering over 1,000 civilians within the UNMISS base in the area and providing emergency medical care to the injured.
The Mission also notes with concern reports indicating that dozens of civilians and some local officials have lost their lives in today’s clashes.
“Such violence places civilians at grave risk and must stop immediately,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer in Charge of UNMISS. “The Mission has enhanced its protective posture and is working with the Government of South Sudan to support urgent efforts to restore calm and safeguard affected communities. I urge all involved to cease hostilities without delay and engage in constructive dialogue to address their grievances. In the meantime, our peacekeepers will continue to do everything within their capabilities to protect civilians seeking refuge at our base.”
Note to Editors: Tensions in Abiemnom have been high since 27 February 2026. On 28 February, some 1,000 civilians sought protection outside the UNMISS base. Since then, peacekeepers have maintained an enhanced protective presence to reinforce community security around the base.
For media enquires contact: Priyanka Chowdhury, Spokesperson, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on unmiss-spokesperson@un.org or + 211 912108281