JUBA, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Sunday expressed concern about the escalating violence between cattle keepers and settled farming communities in Eastern Equatoria State, which has reportedly left at least 35 people dead.

Nicholas Haysom, special representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, strongly condemned the ongoing violence and called on all involved parties to demonstrate restraint.

"Such attacks and counter-attacks must stop," Haysom said in a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

Armed conflict erupted on Jan. 31 between pastoralists and settled communities in and around Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, leading to retaliatory fighting in Agoro, Chomboro, Obama, and Ayiii villages.

Local officials said the attacks had left at least 35 people dead and more than 40 others injured.

According to UNMISS, these events have created widespread fear and resulted in civilian displacement from affected areas in Eastern Equatoria and Lokiliri in neighboring Central Equatoria State.

Haysom called for concerted efforts by national, state, and local authorities to prevent recurrent conflict between herders and farmers in the future, adding that the UN mission would continue to intensively engage with communities and authorities to reduce tensions and send peacekeeping patrols to affected areas to boost security. ■