S. Sudanese IDPs deny claims of rebel support
November 30, 2014 (KAMPALA) – South Sudanese displaced people living in United Nations camps in Central Equatoria state have dismissed as untrue government claims that they support rebellion.
David Koang Machar, a community camp chairman, said government’s allegations threatens lives of those in the UN camps.
“This is an ill-intention by Salva Kiir claiming we have armed members inside civilian protection sites, which are being manned across the country by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan,” said Machar.
He says not even a single panga exists in the camp as the UN reportedly tightened security for those living in the protection sites.
“The UNMISS setup tight security at every entrance or gates in the camp. The general weapons search was done by UNMISS in February 2014 after the government claimed that IDPS were possessing of weapon. All IDPs camp search has been successfully carried out across South Sudan,” added the camp chairman.
Machar also accused President Kiir of using hate messages that could endanger the lives of those who fled to UN camps for safety.
Last month, president Kiir was quoted saying some armed elements were still being haboured within the UN protection of civilian sites.
The rebel faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement also dismissed as “ill-intentions” claims that they have armed members inside civilian protection sites, which are being manned across the country by the UN mission in the young nation.
“This is not true. We don’t have armed members in the UN compounds,” said James Gatdet Dak, spokesman for the opposition leader Riek Machar.
Dak was responding to renewed allegations by president Kiir’s government that rebels were taking refuge in the UNMISS protection sites and asked the UN body to return their guns to government.
The rebels spokesperson said the allegations were unfounded but acknowledged there were individuals who quit the army since December and decided to enter UN compounds for safety reasons.
He also said the overwhelming majority who have sought refuge are civilians, including elderly, women and children.
(ST)