UN calls for ''robust'' scrutiny of South Sudan fighting

UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations on Monday called for tough monitoring of a ceasefire in South Sudan amid new battles between government and opposition forces.

There has been "sporadic violence" in Unity and Upper Nile states where followers of President Salva Kiir and his former vice president Riek Machar are battling for control, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.

A ceasefire between the two started on Friday but fighting which erupted on December 15 has only eased.

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) considers the situation "fragile", Haq told reporters at UN headquarters.

The two sides have blamed each other for the new attacks.

"It is critical that both parties implement the cessation of hostilities agreement in full and immediately," the spokesman added.

"Robust mechanisms must be put in place to monitor both sides."

The ceasefire was brokered by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a group of East African nations, and it plans to send observers to South Sudan to monitor the truce.

But diplomats say the 18 unarmed observers being sent by IGAD will not be able to keep up with events in the far-flung country with poor transport links.

Haq said there are still some 76,000 South Sudanese sheltering in eight UN camps across the country. Aid groups say up to 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

AFP