The aftermath of last weeks violence in Malakal, many shelters belonging to Internally displaced persons destroyed and now they have to sleep outside
“I see that this condition is very difficult because we are just lying to ourselves that we have peace and peace agreement where unfortunately such things are happening. If there is really peace in people’s hearts that there is peace then there is no reason that these things (fighting) should happened, civilians are killed, victimized and thrown out like this is difficult.” Said Theresa Lak, displaced mother
The latest clashes broke between Shilluk and Dinka youths living inside the UN Camp. The UN mission says the clashes were aggrevated by shooting coming from outside – reportedly from armed men wearing SPLA uniforms. Peacekeepers have now intensified their patrols around the perimeter of the site and secured specific areas in the vicinity of the UN base.
“..UN should exert effort now to see the immediate needs of these citizens. All round protection fences are opened, you should mend the fences and these days the health of people has deteriorated and weak, see the health of these people, see the food and water for these people and see where they can settle.” said Mathew Bechoul, chairman for peace and Security Council, Internally Displaced People
Currently discussions with community leaders from the Protection of Civilians site are ongoing in a bid to promote calm and dialogue between the communities.
Fighting has been ongoing in South Sudan since 2013 when clashes broke out between soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar. The conflict however quickly took on ethnic overtones.
