UN security council threatens South Sudan sanctions

The U.N. Security Council on Thursday expressed “horror” at the recent massacre of civilians in South Sudan and threatened sanctions. The strongly worded statement deplored the killings last week in Bentiu as well as the use of radio broadcasts to “foment hate and sexual violence.” The council statement expressed “grave concern” over the more than 23,000 displaced people who are seeking shelter at the U.N. camp in Bentiu as the risk of a humanitarian crisis grows. Security Council members “indicated their willingness to take additional measures,” meaning sanctions, if attacks on civilians continue amid growing ethnic tensions. The council statement called on the government of the world’s newest country to ensure the safety of civilians and denounce attacks.