South Sudan’s Boma state violence displaces hundreds

February 23, 2016 (BOR) – Hundreds of people have displaced either to United Nations camps or bushes within Pibor town after fighting erupted between the South Sudanese army and the former South Sudan Democratic Movement/Army (SSDM/A)-Cobra faction forces.

The Boma state coordinator in Juba, Gabriel Makori said fighting erupted at about 2:00pm (local time) when bodyguards of the newly appointed Boma state governor visited Pibor to prepare for the latter’s reception.

Pibor has been tense since Baba Medan was appointed governor last month. The former Pibor administrator, David Yauyau reportedly vowed not to cooperate with the governor.

“It was this morning that the guards of the governor came from Likuangole County to get ready for the welcoming of the governor in Pibor County, which is the headquarters of Boma state”, Makori told Sudan Tribune by phone Tuesday.

“When they arrived [in Pibor], the former Cobra forces had opposed that because previously, they were opposing the government’s decision of appointing Baba Medan as the governor, and they were supporting David Yauyau. They said that David Yauyau must come back as the governor”, he added.

The attack reportedly occurred in three directions, with one from the market. One group , Makori said, attacked the governor’s residential place from Lakurnyang side while the third group attacked from the airport side where the UN mission camp is located.

Multiple sources also confirmed that the cobra fighters were eventually dislodged by the South Sudanese military, who remain in full control of the town.

The market in Pibor town was reportedly burnt as people took advantage and looted it.

Makori said although there were no casualties, civilians were displaced to the UN
camp, surrounding bushes and some sought protection from soldiers at the army barracks.

(ST).