Scores injured as IDPs clash in Upper Nile state: UN

November 17, 2014 (JUBA) – Scores of internally displaced people were injured after clashes broke out over the weekend at UN protection sites in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state, the world body said on Monday.

The clashes reportedly occurred in Malakal between the Nuer and Shilluk tribes.

“Three UNMISS peacekeepers were also injured when they intervened to contain the situation,” said Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general.

Over 1.9 million people, the UN says, have been displaced, including some 473,000 who have fled to neighbouring countries as result of the more than 11-month-long conflict in the young nation.

Violence, hunger and diseases continue to threaten millions of people across the young nation as aid agencies recently warned of a looming famine early next year.

Meanwhile, the UN is reportedly protecting over 17,000 people in Malakal, with some 102,000 internally displaced persons sheltered in its civilian protection sites across the country.

(ST)