UN Security Council on Tuesday called on warring ethnic communities in South Sudan's Jonglei state to engage in reconciliation and end the 'cycle of conflict' that has claimed many lives in recent weeks. UN envoy of South Africa Baso Sangqu issued a statement saying that the Security Council voiced deep concern at the situation in Jonglei. It stated: 'Violence in any form is unacceptable,' and called on all communities in Jonglei to 'immediately end the cycle of conflict and engage in a reconciliatory peace process'. The statement also welcomed the efforts of the South Sudanese government to protect civilians and mediate a solution to the crisis in Jonglei. It also urged authorities to continue their efforts to resolve the root causes of the recurring violence between the communities, which have often been linked to disputes over cattle and grazing land. The Council members further raised alarm about both the quantity and sophistication of the weaponry used in the most recent clashes. It’s worth mentioning that deadly clashes between the Lou Nuer and Murle communities in recent weeks have displaced tens of thousands of civilians and led to UN agencies launching a major humanitarian operation to assist those in need.