The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is to set up permanent bases for peacekeepers in areas worst affected by ethnic violence in Jonglei State.



Last week UN troops had to quell ethnic clashes in Pibor County, where more than 100 people are reported to have been killed and 60,000 displaced.



Invading tribes are said to have looted livestock and household property, as tribal violence surged in Africa's youngest nation.

UNMISS force commander, Major General Moses Obi said in order to keep security in that area there was need for the UN troops to have permanent bases in the Jonglei counties of Pibor, Akobo, Yuai, Wolgak and Bor.



"We need permanent bases in Pibor, we are not going to leave it again. We are also going to remain in Bor, so that we have presence in Dinka, Murle and Lou Nuer," Obi said.



He said the UN peacekeepers will remain in Likuangole and Gumuruk adding that the mission will also will support the SPLA and South Sudan police service to maintain law and order in those areas.



"We are helping them. We provide trucks and whatever protection is needed. We are still prepared for any eventuality," he said.



Jonglei is one of the ten states that make up South Sudan and it regularly experiences several tribal clashes in which many people are killed.