Over 500 civilians arrive at UN as fighting continues in Unity state
May 5, 2015 (BENTIU) – Over 500 civilians fled their homes to United Nations protection of civilian camps as intense fighting continued between South Sudan’s warring factions in Unity state this week.
Multiple sources told Sudan Tribune Tuesday that a number of civilians, mostly women and children were dislodged from their homes allegedly by government forces as they battled the armed opposition south of the state.
“As I speak with you now, since yesterday a big number of women and children have arrived in the camp, they are looking for safety. They lost everything including cattle and properties,” said a sources that preferred anonymity.
Fighting has been ongoing for nearly two weeks as the two warring parties resumed hostilities in the oil rich state capital, Bentiu. The rebels accused pro-governments for allegedly carrying out deadly attacks on civilian villages southwest of the state capital.
South Sudanese officials dismissed rebels’ claims that government moblised armed civilians in Lakes and Warrap states to fight rebels.
Toby Lanzer, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, said aid workers in Bentiu have been prevented from carrying out their work within town, villages and the surrounding neighborhoods.
He said this was likely to interrupt life-saving assistance, including medical support in hospitals for those affected by the ongoing conflict.
“Aid agencies count on the good offices of all parties and officials to respect the freedom of movement required for humanitarian action, so that assistance can reach civilians in need of help, on time,” said Lanzer.
According to anonymous officials, Guit county, which has been a battle field between rebels and government, fell under the control of pro-government forces on Wednesday.
(ST)