S. Sudanese IDPs blame gov’t over clashes at UN camp
March 20, 2016 (JUBA) – Leaders of South Sudanese communities internally displaced at the United Nations Protection of Civilian (PoC) site at Jebel have accused government of allegedly instigating the deadly clashes that occurred between youth groups at the camp Saturday morning.
Stephen Makol, the chairperson of the community at PoC3, said they had evidence of government’s alleged involvement in the clashes. He however said calm had been restored among the communities involved in the clashes, adding that community leaders in both protection sites were in close contact to end the violence.
“We have handled the situations and investigation is still going on to establish the cause of the fighting and right now, we have restored calm among the community,” Makol said Sunday.
Members of the armed opposition (SPLM-IO) were, prior to the clash, scheduled to meet and talk to the community during the weekend.
“The incident has been caused by some government agents in the camp, but due to the environment we are in, we will not disclose those responsible for the incident,” Makol said by phone, adding that a team of community leaders from PoC1 and PoC3 already meet relatives of the deceased and assured them of cooperation.
The chairperson of PoC1, Yoahnes Tut Ruon, said community watch groups and police were patrolling the area that was most affected by the incident to disarm the youth of their sticks and machetes.
“Right now as we speak, am on patrol with the community police to make sure that everything is calm within the community,” he said.
He blamed unnamed groups of people over weekend incident, urging residents in the camp to remain calm and maintain peace.
CALM IN CAMPS
Meanwhile, the UN mission in South Sudan said calm had returned after its security personnel were deployed in areas hit by violence.
The UN said it is working with community watch group leaders to ascertain reasons for the dispute, and mediate between the parties.
The world body, in a statement, said it regretted the death of one person as a result of the weekend disputes in its protection camps.
The UN has reported that up to 110 IDPs suffered injuries, and several others received treatment in the UNMISS level 1 and level 2 clinics.
“Several IDPs were taken to the UNMISS level 1 clinic to receive treatment, and have since been discharged. In addition four patients suffering from more serious injuries were transported to UNMISS’ Tomping level II hospital,” the statement reads in part.
Two of UN peacekeeping forces sustained minor injuries as a result of the fighting and are being treated, it added.
According to the world body, 200 IDPs who had fled from POC 1 and sought shelter at the western gate of the UN headquarters compound as result of fighting have been moved back to their premises, due to efforts from UNMISS and community leaders.
(ST)