Policeman killed, scores injured in Western Equatoria state attack
December 8, 2015 (YAMBIO) – A policeman was killed and scores injured when securiry forces and gunmen clashed in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state capital, Monday.
Thousands of civilians fled their homes and sought shelter in bushes and others, mostly women, children and elderly ran to ADRA compound next to the United Nations base.
The caretaker governor of Western Equatoria, Patrick Zamoi called for calm among the population, saying members of the South Sudanese army (SPLA) controlled the situation.
“I call upon everyone to keep calm as the government is trying to contain the security situation in the Yambio town,” Zamoi told a local FM radio.
Hel accused the South Sudan People’s Patriotic Front or “Arrow boys” under the command of Alfred Futiyo who joined the country’s armed opposition last month of being behind the attack and called upon them to desist from such criminal activities.
However, as the caretaker governor stressed the amnesty offer from President Salva Kiir, members of national security were in the spotlight for arresting civilians and Catholic priests for allegedly supporting “Arrow boys” in contravention of calls for peace.
A number of youth and politicians, including ex-local government advisor, a local musician and famous youth were arrested by security agents as the incident escalated.
Over 1000 civilians have been reportedly displaced into bushes as others headed towards the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a result of the latest attack.
UN CONFIRMS FIGHTING
The United Nations mission says it received reports that the fighting that erupted between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army soldiers and armed youth was triggered by the arrest of individuals suspected to have connections with the armed youth.
“The [UN] mission continued its patrols in Yambio and surrounding areas today and observed closed shops in the main market. Normal activity has however resumed in the Marsia area, located west of the Mission’s compound,” it said in aa brief statement.
UN peacekeepers reportedly saw several burned houses in Hai Kuba area of Yambio.
Meanwhile, displaced persons who took refuge at the non-governmental organization compound close to the mission’s Yambio base have reportedly begun returning home.
(ST).