United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon has condemned the renewed fighting in Unity State capital Bentiu and Rubkona between the Government forces and the SPLA in Opposition forces.

There have clashes between the SPLA and opposition forces in the state. More than 23 people have been killed in the clashes which erupted earlier this week, according to officials.

“This resumption of hostilities is yet again a serious violation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and undermines the ongoing IGAD efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in South Sudan,” Mr. Ban.

In addition, the Secretary-General reminded all parties of the inviolability of all UN premises, including UNMISS Protection of Civilian sites, where the Mission is currently protecting some 100,000 displaced civilians – including 49,000 of them in Bentiu alone.

“The Secretary-General also urges both parties to participate constructively in the ongoing political negotiations in Addis Ababa and reach urgently an agreement on inclusive and comprehensive transitional arrangements.”