S. Sudanese refugees at UN camp decry harsh conditions

July 17,2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese refugees, who fled the recent clashes in the capital, Juba into United Nations camps, say they are facing hardships after losing almost everything in the recent conflict.

Mary Nyayang, 28, said she lost everything during the war and the only option left was to go to the nearest UN protection of civilians camp.

“We have been here at the camp for a week without getting food after we lost everything during the war”, a distressed Nyanyang, said.

The 28-year old said her three children survive on leaves, adding that it was hard to predict the situation after she lost everything to looters.

Nyayang is among the 42,000 people displaced by the recent outbreak of violence in the capital, Juba, which saw hundreds killed.

A camp registrar, who spoke to Sudan Tribune on condition of anonymity, said at least100 people cross to the UN camp every day.

The number of people seeking protection and safety at the UN protection of civilian’s site has increased in the last three days, he said.

Rebecca James, a displaced woman from Manga, a suburb north of Juba said she lost a brother when armed men came to her house.

“I came here for my safety after I witnessed my brother [being] shot in the face by the SPLA [South Sudan army]”, she said amid tears.

Rebecca, however, said she came to the UN camp to get assistance after losing most of her properties in the recent violence.

John Dhoal, another resident at the camp, admitted that most people lost everything, including foods and properties in the chaos.

“If you look around, [you will realize] those who are here are from Shilluk and the Nuer because they were the target by certain groups of people”, he said Sudan Tribune and warned against tribalism was likely cause divisions in the world’s youngest nation.

(ST)