Civilians flees as S. Sudan rival forces clash in Unity state

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Elisabeth Janaina

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Jul 22, 2017, 1:29:43 PM7/22/17
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Civilians flees as S. Sudan rival forces clash in Unity state

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July 20, 2017 (BENTIU) – Hundreds of civilians fled Bentiu town,
following renewed clashes on Thursday between South Sudan’s rival
forces at Panakuach, north of Unity state.

JPEG - 14.6 kb
The map of Unity state

Aid workers at the protection of civilians’ sites confirmed the attack.

A number of civilians, eyewitnesses told Sudan Tribune, were seen
fleeing the town into the United Nations camp in Rubkotna.

“A large number of civilians feared of their safety in Bentiu, as the
armed opposition approached 40 kilometers away northwest of Bentiu,”
an eyewitness said Thursday.

Some civilians accused government forces blocked them from entering
the UN camp, allegations Sudan Tribune could not verify.

However, the rebel spokesperson, Brig Gen. William Gatjiath Deng
claimed he was unaware of any fighting between the rival factions.

The official said the rebels would defend their territory, despite the
recently declared ceasefire, if the government forces provoke them.

The spokesperson for the armed opposition faction in Juba, Dickson
Gatluak told Sudan Tribune that their forces fighting alongside
government troops would counter attacks from rebels in Unity State.

“The situation in Bentiu must be monitored with maximum attention. At
present time, the SPLA-IO [armed opposition] troops in collaboration
with the SPLA [South Sudan army] are monitoring the situation in areas
of the oil-rich state, north of the country,” he said.

The situation around Bentiu town has reportedly remained tensed amidst
fears of a full-scale war between the two main rival factions.

South Sudan’s conflict started in December 2013 when President Kiir
accused Machar of a coup attempt. Since then, tens of thousands of
people been killed and over 2 million displaced.

(ST)

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21 July 10:14, by Resolution

civilians are already decided to leave the town, they feel its
unsafe place anymore for them, of course its their right to look after
their safety. they are moving in side PoC site with their beds,
mattresses plus other belongings.

repondre message
21 July 10:22, by Kush Natives

Like really? What takes Panakuach to Rukona? I am pisoff here!

repondre message
21 July 11:11, by Sunday Junup

Kuch Native,
I told South South to forget Pagak last week, today i also
told him to forgot Kaka, now you surprise for News of Bentiu.
Panakuach is a gone case, SPLA-IO is marching toward Unity then will
sleep in KupriNyabol. wait for more news if things went well. Our
Country will be free of Kiir Militia soon. William Gatjiath will never
update this until Bentiu Town

repondre message
21 July 14:16, by Midit Mitot

Bravo freedom fighters,dislodging all their forces to Bentui
town, Traitor/nincompoop Dickson Gatluak will not air-out nonsense
again.

repondre message
21 July 12:12, by Ranmediit

IGAD should learn that Taban and his group they are increasing
suffering of South Sudanese.

repondre message
22 July 10:13, by Dak South

It’s not true there is no fighting in Panakuach and am currently
in Jamjang county in Ruweng state right now so please guys don’t take
things in a wrong way and people in Bentiu should be calm because
there is no insecurity here in Ruweng state.

repondre message
22 July 15:45, by gatkhor Nueri

Good news to SPLM-IO
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