PRESS RELEASE: UNMISS strengthens patrols, de-escalation efforts following incident in Bentiu IDP camp

JUBA - The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has increased its peacekeeping patrols in and around the Bentiu camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) following an incident on 19 August that resulted in deaths and injuries among civilians and security personnel.

The Mission is also engaging closely with relevant stakeholders, including community leaders residing in the camp, state authorities, security actors, and youth representatives, to reduce tensions.

“Such violence is unacceptable. Civilians who have already endured displacement and insecurity must be protected from further harm. I urge all those with influence to prioritize dialogue and step back from confrontation,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.

UNMISS will maintain an enhanced protective presence in and around the IDP camp to help deter further violence and strengthen the protection of civilians until efforts to restore calm take hold.


Note to editors: The arrest of a spiritual leader led to heightened tensions and violence involving security personnel and civilians within the Bentiu IDP camp. As per reports received until now, some 5 people have died while 33 others are injured. The security situation in the camp remains fragile.

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Contact: UNMISS Spokesperson, Priyanka Chowdhury at chowdhury20@un.org or unmiss-spokesperson@un.org