Fears over sectarian violence in south Sudan

April 9, 2006 (JUBA) — The situation in Mirmir in Unity State south Sudan was still calm despite the burning down of a Mosque and a Church in two separate incidents last week.

Al-Khartoum daily said the widespread deployment of large numbers of policemen and Sudan People’s Liberation Army soldiers in a bid to prevent the tense situation between Muslims and Christians from escalating.

However, a source reaffirmed that some factions were being accused of aiming to provoke discord between Muslims and Christians, northerners and southerners, there.

Al-Khartoum points out that the increased security presence in Mirmir is aimed at protecting Sergaz oil production sites from any attacks resulting from clashes in the region.

However, government sides said that the government cared about security and stability in the region and about safeguarding both the citizens and the oil.

(ST)