South Sudanese army leaders exercise "maximum restraint" after fighting

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday urged the leaders of the South Sudanese army to "exercise maximum restraint in the use of force" after the outbreak of fighting between soldiers in Juba on Sunday night.

"The secretary-general is deeply concerned about reports of fighting between members of the SPLA in Juba and about the risk of targeted violence against certain communities," said a statement issued by Ban's spokesman here Monday night.

The SPLA stands for the Sudan People's Liberation Army, which is the army of the Republic of South Sudan.

Ban "urges all parties in the fighting to cease hostilities immediately," the statement said. "He calls on the leaders of the SPLA to impose discipline on their forces and to exercise maximum restraint in the use of force."

"It is essential that the government guarantees the security of all civilians regardless of their communities of origin," the statement said.

Violent clashes erupted late Sunday night in Juba, capital of the world's youngest country, between two groups both belonging to the presidential guard, according to the South Sudanese military.

Local media reports said on Monday that the situation is now calm in the capital, but fears prevail that it may escalate as soldiers have been deployed in various strategic locations.

The South Sudanese army requested the residents of the capital to stay indoors until the situation is completely under control, the reports added.