Thousands of South Sudanese citizens displaced by Juba battles JUBA (10 Jul.)
Heavy fighting in Juba Sunday between SPLA and SPLA-In Opposition forces has had major impact on the civilian population, causing thousands to flee or seek shelter. Civilians were seen moving en masse or individually in many parts of the capital city, seeking shelter in UN and church compounds. Meanwhile, others sheltered in place, relaying to Radio Tamazuj that they hid under beds or under staircases as gunshots and artillery rang out around them. The South Sudan Red Cross shared an online video <https://www.facebook.com/southsudanredcross/posts/1225142437519588> of what appears to be hundreds of people - men, women, and children - walking across a field with Jebel in the background with their belongings on their heads. According to a UN OCHA spokesperson, 3000 civilians sought safety inside the Tongpiny UNMISS base near the airport. Another aid worker put the figure at over 4000 in the base. However, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan downplayed the figure at Tongping, saying only hundreds had entered. The aid worker said 2000 more civilians sought refuge from the fighting at a World Food Programme compound, in addition to another 1000 in an OCHA site. There are also reports of people taking shelter at the Mobil church in the heart of the South Sudanese capital. Meanwhile, UNMISS said 1000 people had entered its base near Jebel, where fighting has been heaviest throughout the day and where nearly 30,000 South Sudanese citizens had already sought refuge. UNMISS said in a statement that it was "outraged" at the resumption of violence which is severely impacting on the civilian population. Fighting intermittently continues near the UNMISS PoC site in Jebel, at times stopping the flow of civilians who are seeking shelter there. There were also reports of armed soldiers deliberately blocking civilians from reaching the sites of refuge. *UNMISS chief demands end to fighting* "The United Nations is gravely concerned about reports that armed forces have prevented civilians from seeking protection," UNMISS said. "Both UNMISS compounds in Juba have sustained impacts from small arms and heavy weapons fire." "The United Nations urges all parties to respect the sanctity of the United Nations and condemns any deliberate targeting of United Nations premises and its personnel," UNMISS said, while reiterating that the mission had mobilized peacekeepers to protect displaced civilians in their sites. UNMISS chief Ellen Loj called on South Sudan's leadership to immediately restrain their forces and engage in political dialogue. She also demanded they allow UN peacekeepers to access the city and patrol in order to reassure the civilian population. Meanwhile a senior ministry of defence official accused the SPLA-IO of starting today's fighting by launching an attack in the early morning at the entrance to Yei road. IO sources, however, have accused the government of instigating the violence. The ministry of defence official said the fighting took place almost everywhere in town, "between Bilpham and town, between Gudele road and Yei road and down mountain." "Now in the road to Bilpham, the road is now cut off," the official continued. "The situation is uncontrollable now, we cannot even tell." There have been lulls in the fighting since the morning, but also there have been reports throughout the afternoon of sporadic shooting in Gudele, Tongpiny, and Jebel areas, as well as a brief outburst of gunfire near the presidential guard barracks off Airport Road. *Readers share their stories* South Sudanese citizens shared some of their experiences on Radio Tamazuj's Facebook page. Gidudu said they were "under cover in Tongping," while Bukello said he was staying indoors in Lemongaba. Abot reported that people broke into Jebel market and stole items. Modi said there was still shooting at around 4:00 pm. "We're in danger even right now gun shots are still on here in Jebel and Gudele...so what's the work of the international communities doing due to this?" Meanwhile, Lino said he was locked inside for three days. Suzanne said she had stayed indoors for the last two days. "Civilians are advised to remain calm & indoors. God help those who don't have food or water right now. Juba has been tough but God shall see us through," she said. "In Gudele this place a real battle ground, taking shelter and pray tht Allah to protect us," said Benjamin. "IDPs from downtown juba overwhelmed Gumbo and Sirika," said Oswaha. Job said Kator near Suq Sita had been calm since morning. Others worried about their relatives and fellow citizens in Juba. "Those who are outside Juba are much concern about our people inside the city. May God protect them," said Aguar. "Called up my people in Gurei an Hai Jebel but their phones are off," said Ali. Opi said: "I am fine but in great panic because my brothers and sisters in Juba are suffering." Another reader, named Kassim, in an email to Radio Tamazuj expressed anger at the UN for not stopping the violence. "Why are they based in South Sudan if they can't keep the peace? What's their mandate? Having all kind of weapon light weapons, tanks ... for them they live in well protected compound and lavish life style while poor civilian need protection expose to all dangers," Kassim said. *Radio Tamazuj wishes safety to all of our readers and listeners, and everyone in South Sudan. 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