South Sudan army denies shooting UN soldiers in Malakal
May 29, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) spokesperson dismissed as “lie” report by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) that Juba soldiers fired at UN peacekeeping mission in Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile state.
“The mission is deeply concerned that despite reassurances given by both parties, such an incident occurred this afternoon and reiterates its strong call upon all the parties to respect the sanctity of UN installations and staff,” Stephane Dujarric, a UN spokesperson, revealed in New York.
However, SPLA spokesman, Col. Philip Aguer, frustrated by the report said it was a lie, but added that a preliminary investigation only established that soldiers shot randomly in Malakal town on Thursday, several kilometres away from UNMISS base.
“It [the alleged wounding of UN soldier] was later discovered to be a lie,” said Aguer, speaking to Sudan Tribune by phone.
“It [the shooting] was not near the UNMISS camp. It was inside Malakal town,” he said.
But Aguer insisted that there was nobody even injured in Malakal town among the SPLA or civilians.
Civilians sources sheltering at UNMISS base in Malakal however said that eight civilians were injured inside UNMISS camp including two peacekeepers when elements of the SPLA soldiers fired at the civilians sheltered in the UN facility. No death case was reported.
There are 30,410 civilians in Malakal’s UN protection of civilians sites (PoCs) according to the UNMISS.
(ST)