South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Governor of Western Equatoria State Alfred Futuyo Karaba on Tuesday issued an order for the deployment of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) to quell ongoing deadly communal violence in Tambura County.
The order, dated 30th April 2024, mandates the SSPDF to be moved and stationed in Tambura County for a period of one month to protect civilians in Nagero, Ezo and Tambura.
It also calls for the relocation of the Division 6 headquarter of the SSPDF to Tambura County.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), recently said that about 17,000 people displaced in the violence are sheltering outside a temporary base for it’s peacekeeping force in Tambura.
The Avungura-led militia reportedly backed by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), and the Balanda militia with alleged support from the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in opposition (SPLA-IO) have been fighting since June 2021 in Tambura.
“Tensions between communities from different ethnic backgrounds are high following a series of incidents, including the killing of civilians, disappearance of a priest who is a member of the Tambura peace committee, and the torching of homes,” disclosed Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.
He said that the peacekeeping mission is doing it’s utmost to protect civilians caught up in intercommunal violence, despite the ongoing fuel blockade imposed by the government on UN agencies in South Sudan.
“Despite the ongoing fuel blockade which is threatening UNMISS’ ability to carry out our work, we are doing our utmost to help protect civilians caught up in intercommunal conflict and prevent further violence,” Haysom said.
He urged the government to ensure that the UN can continue to work without impediment to help protect civilians, support the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities, and progress the development of institutions, infrastructure, and critical services across the country.
UNMISS also noted that it dispatched an additional 76 military peacekeepers to reinforce the Tambura temporary base, protect displaced families, and boost patrols in the surrounding area.
It added that it is also engaging with political actors and community leaders at the local and national levels to reduce tension and restore calm in Tambura town.
