Cycle of violence plagues South Sudan

JUBA, South Sudan, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- The cycle of violence between ethnic communities in South Sudan's state of Jonglei must come to an end, a U.N. special envoy to the world's newest country said.

Peacekeepers with the U.N. Mission in South Sudan said last week they were monitoring the movement of fighters with the Lou Nuer ethnic group while focusing on pressing humanitarian needs in Jonglei state.

Peacekeepers in the region had said they were outnumbered by Lou Nuer fighters but were able to prevent the conflict from escalating.

Hilde Johnson, U.N. special envoy for South Sudan and head of UNMISS, in a statement said conflict between the Lou Nuer and Merle communities in the troubled state must come to an end.

"We have to see this cycle of violence stop," she said. "The people of Jonglei state from all sides have suffered enough."

The government in South Sudan was praised for committing extra troops to the area. Johnson said, however, that local leaders had a significant role to play in settling community differences.

"Only in this way can further violence be averted and new humanitarian crises be prevented," she said.

Ethnic conflict in Jonglei claimed at least 1,000 lives in recent months. The conflict was triggered by cattle raids and high bridal dowries. Most of the victims are women and children.