UNMISS calls for protection of civilians in Wau state

April 21, 2016 (WAU) – The Untied Nation Missis in South Sudan (UNMISS) has urged the government to protect civilians, citing atrocities allegedly committed in Wau state.

The call comes amidst what it described as the continued killing of civilians and looting of their properties, which intensified during the over two-year war.

Sources say some civilians were mainly being targeted for allegedly sheltering rebel groups said to be citizens of Wau. Bargari Jedid, Bazia Jedid, Jebel-Kher, Lokoloko and Ngo are reportedly areas targeted most by the army elements.

Residents of these areas have repeatedly complained to the state government over the insecurity situation, mainly from the soldiers attached to the 5th division headquarters.

While addressing state lawmakers in Wau town, the UNMISS state coordinator, Winnie Bibahuga appealed to authorities to protect civilians from the army forces.

“During my 10 years of work in South Sudan, I have never seen such atrocities of cutting human bodies and burning homes of citizens, but Wau witnesses this from time to time,” she said.

Bibahuga urged the government to commit itself more by protecting civilians and end atrocities meted against them.

Wau is one of the regions that have been relatively stable during the intensity of the conflict that has seen tens of thousands killed and nearly two million people displaced.

In August last year, government and the armed opposition signed an agreement to end the over 20-months conflict, paving way for formation of a national unity government.

(ST)