S. Sudanese army using UN logos on military ferries: rebels

May 14, 2015 (PAYINJIAR) – South Sudanese rebels have accused pro-government forces of allegedly placing United Nations logos on military ferries used to launch attacks.

Col. John Tap Puot, the rebel-appointed commissioner of Payinjiar country in Unity state said the army used the main port of Taiyar to attack.

The rebel official claimed forces loyal to president Salva Kiir have allegedly painted their ferries and boats white in colour with UN logos placed on all these equipment.

“Our forces thought the ferries belonged to UN, they did not have any ideas that the facilities belonged to the SPLA of Juba until they approach 300 meters from the main port,” Puot said, adding, “We only realised when we began firing each other”.

He advised the world body not to allow the Juba government to drag it into a war, which could endanger the lives of its field workers.

“We have serious questions to UN on why they allow Juba to use their logo and flag. The UN must be responsible for this incident. The government takes off from Juba and still they could not question them on why they abuse their flag and logo,” he asked.

The official further claimed the rebels repulsed a government attack on Thursday as they continue to pursue them south of Pakam village.

At least 12 civilians, he said, were killed and 10 other injured when the two South Sudanese warring factions clashed on Thursday at the main port in Unity state.

SURVIVOR’S ORDEAL

Matung Thiey, a trader who survived the attack said, they saw boats and ferries with UN logos and flags, but were surprised when its occupants fired bullets as it drew closer.

“I was shot on the leg while in the shop and two of my colleagues were shot dead in front of me. It was then that I crawled to the nearby grasses for my safety,” he said.

Victims from the attack, Thiey told Sudan Tribune, were mostly women and children.

(ST)