PRESS STATMENT: – The Evolving Situation in Yambio, Western Equatoria
PRESS STATMENT: – The Situation in Western Equatoria
Sunday, August 2, 2015 – WELC
August 2, 2015 (SSB) — Yesterday, at approximately 11a.m., a high level delegation comprised of SPLA Generals, His Royal Highness, King (Bakindo), Wilson Hassan Peni Rikito Gbudwe, the Paramount Chief of WES and Chairperson of Western Equatoria Traditional Leaders Authority and 3 Members of Parliament as well as Members of Western Equatorial Leadership Council (Hon. Anthony Makana, Hon Victor Danda, Hon George Bamandara Kosta) left Juba as they travelled to Yambio in an attempt to help contain the insecurity situation that has erupted since Friday in the capital City of WES, Yambio, and following the problems at Birisi area.
The clashes and heavy shooting took place on Friday night and continued to Saturday between armed groups mainly appear to be, tribal groups from the Dinka, suspected lawless elements within SPLA and Elements of Youth from the Zande Local Community in Yambio. “The clashes prompted panic among the population in the city”.
The SPLM Delegation headed by Division 6 Commander Johnson Juma and comprised of other Senior SPLA Generals from SPLA Headquarters. Also accompanied the delegation to the Airport was Hon Jemma Nunu Kumba, National Minister and Chairperson of WES SPLM, Lt Gen James Ajongo Deputy Chief of Staff SPLA, Eng. Boutros Magaya, Spokesperson of WES Leadership Council and Col Police Elia Kosta, Member of SPLA Leadership Council Representing Yamabio.
On arrival the delegation met with the Hon. Governor, State Leadership, Youth and Army and with groups who involved in the conflict in Yambio and asked them to immediately stop the conflict and cease any kind of hostilities for the sake of peace in the State.
The King, Wilson Rikito Gbudwe, who had left Yambio some few days earlier on short mission to Juba and Ethiopia addressed the crowd during the meeting and appealed for calm and return to peace. He said “People of Western Equatoria State must listen to their leaders and as a traditional leader; no one should take arm from now even a step to fight because people of WES need peace as they are peaceful people”.
The meeting at ADRA was concluded with serious prayers from Pastor from CEEC in US who are in Yambio to have crusade next week to pray for peace in South Sudan.
It was also reported that yesterday over thousands of civilians were at the gate of UNMISS and some of them were allowed to Unicef and ADRA compound. It is reported that the police of UNMISS refused to allow them into their compound as they claimed protection of civilians remain the responsibility of the Government, unless failed according to the new UNMISS mandate.
This morning, the situation is reported to be calm and shops have opened (particulary Massyia area) and there were no shooting notably at night and particular since the arrival of the high level delegation. The delegation together with the State Leadership have divided into various groups and visited various churches where they were able to continue talking to the population.
The delegation will also continue their meetings as well as investigate the incident.
The fact that no shooting has taken place since yesterday till now is notable and the delegation and state Government to be commended for the positive role they continue to play to contain the situation.
Further briefing will be availed to the public later.
BOUTROS MAGAYA
Spokesperson/ Rapporteur, Western Equatorial Leadership Council & SPLM
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