Juba gives security assurance to U.N.

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Amid reports of a mass exodus from parts of South Sudan, the U.N. secretary-general said he welcomed security assurances from the government in Juba.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke late Monday by telephone with South Sudan's President Salva Kiir about the threat posed by the armed Lou Nuer ethnic militia. Ban, in a statement issued through his spokesman's office, expressed appreciation for Kiir's security assurances.

"In this regard, the secretary-general noted that the commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights was fundamental," the statement read. "He said it was also important to address the root causes of the conflict."

Ban added that forces with the U.N. Mission in South Sudan were "fully mobilized" to help ease tensions in the region.

Lise Grande, a U.N. humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, told the BBC last week the United Nations was "very concerned" about pending conflict.

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.

Grande told the British broadcaster Tuesday that UNMISS forces and South Sudanese troops were "far outnumbered" by the estimated 6,000 Lou Nuer fighters.

Members of the Murle ethnic community came under attack by Lou Nuer forces during the weekend. It could take at least a week for villagers in the area to walk to safety, the BBC adds.