UNMISS says calm returns to IDPs camp after weekend clashes

March 20, 2016 (JUBA) – United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said it has managed to control clashes involving youth sheltering at the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in the capital, Juba.

Youth from the Nuer ethnic group were engaged in a fight after squabble over game on Saturday turned violent, resulting in the death of at least one person and injuring about 110 others, some critically.

According to the statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday, UNMISS explained that at approximately 11:30am a fight broke out between individuals of two different internally displaced communities in the market area within the Juba protection of civilians’ site (POC 1).

The Mission took immediate measures, including deploying additional security elements to affected areas within the POC site, and along the perimeters of the UN House compound. The situation returned to normal in the afternoon.

The statement further added that the mission was working with Community Watch Group leaders to ascertain the reasons for the altercation, and mediate between the parties and has also been in constant contact with community leaders of the protection of civilians’ site.

The mission however admitted the clash has claimed a live of at least one person who passed away after sustaining wounds from the clash.

“Regrettably, as a result of the disputes, one IDP died from their wounds following the Saturday morning altercations. Meanwhile medical practitioners at the clinic facility located within the PoC site have reported treating approximately 110 IDPs suffering from various injuries. Several IDPs were taken to the UNMISS level I clinic to receive treatment, and have since been discharged,” reads the statement issued on Sunday by UNMISS.

It said four patients suffering from more serious injuries were transported to UNMISS’ Tomping level II hospital. Also, two members from the UNMISS force protection units sustained minor injuries and are being treated.

The statement further added that about 200 members of the internally displaced persons from ethnic Nuer sought shelter at the western gate of the UN headquarters compound, and through coordination efforts between UNMISS and IDPs leadership, they have moved back to the protection of civilians’ site.

The mission, the statement added, continues reinforcing its cooperation, sharing of information and efforts with the IDPs leadership in order to mitigate any further possible incidents.

(ST