12 injured as internally displaced people clash in UN camp

May 11, 2015 (JUBA) – Over 10 people were seriously injured after recent clashes within the United Nations protection of civilians site in the South Sudanese capital, Juba.

The incident reportedly occurred at the UN house in Jebel, a Juba suburb, between Haak and Bul communities after a 17-year old girl from the Haak clan was impregnated by a boy from Bul community.

Lang Hoth, the chairman of youth at the camp, confirmed the clashes, saying the girl hailed from Haak clan in Mayiandit county.

“When the parents of the girl approach the Bul community, they failed to settle the dispute amicable, and then later has forced the brother to beat the boy responsible for pregnancy,” said Hoth.

The boy allegedly responsible for the pregnancy reportedly fled the camp, but returned days later to coordinate an attack against in-laws.

“We do not know what made the boy return and mobilise the other Bul-Nuer to counter attack the brothers of the lady,” said Hoth.

He accused the boy of instigating conflicts between the two communities.

Meanwhile, another fighting reportedly occurred in Bentiu among Bul-Nuer community who support the armed opposition faction led by the country’s former vice-president, Riek Machar and those backing president Salva Kiir’s leadership.

While some sections of the Bul-Nuer accused pro-government forces of allegedly killing civilians in Unity state, others dismissed these claims.

Recently, the South Sudanese government and the UN mission in the country agreed to have those who committed crimes within the protection of civilian sites tried.

(ST)