South Sudanese army deny brutalising Mundari youth
July 14, 2015 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese army (SPLA) admitted Tuesday that its unit at an outpost north of the military headquarters clashed with armed Mundari youth in Central Equatoria state, but denied carrying out brutal attacks on unarmed civilians.
Central Equatoria state officials accused government forces at the military outpost of carrying out offensives with shelling directed at areas occupied by the civil population.
The army allegedly beat to death an area youth who passed by the military outpost.
According to officials and residents, government forces later moved out of their base to a cattle camp where they descended on youth they found seated while smoking what is locally referred to as Shisha.
But the army spokesperson Col. Philip Aguer, said the army was not targeting civilians and its leadership would investigate the cause of the clashes, which led to the death of 12 people from both sides.
“There was a misunderstanding which the general command is working to investigate. The incident took place in a place called Kuda. It was a misunderstanding but the youth of the cattle camp retaliated and attacked SPLA force in a place called Kuda on the 11 [July]. And this is what happened. They were repulsed and unfortunately in that clash on both side, 12 people died according to the report,” Aguer said Tuesday.
He added, “We are waiting to [get] the clear report of the incident”.
HUNDREDS FLEE CLASHES
Meanwhile, hundreds of Central Equatoria state residents have fled their homes after the weekend clashes between the SPLA and local Mundari youth, eyewitnesses said.
“Tension was high in the areas near Jebel Ladu on Tuesday for the whole day as two government helicopters were seen flying creating panic among the local population,” Lomoro Kamish, local farmer in the area told Sudan Tribune Tuesday.
“Our people have suspended farm activities just within these three days, their shops and belonging properties were all looted by the army during the incident,” he added.
The army’s general headquarters, Aguer further said, has reinforced its forces on the ground to provide adequate security and protection to the civilian population in the area.
“The situation in the area has returned to normal and it was now calm and under control since Monday afternoon,” he added, but did not elaborate on what caused the incident.
This is second time officials have accused the army of violence against civilians. Last month, senior officials of Western Equatoria state accused the SPLA of violating human rights in the state, warning that such actions could increase rebellion in the area.
(ST)