Peacekeepers of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) are providing protection to thousands of people displaced by insecurity in Yambio, Western Equatoria state.
Up to 5,000 people are seeking safety at the compound of the Adventist Relief Agency (ADRA) in Yambio town.
Yambio has witnessed days of shooting following the arrest of youth suspects. Two Policemen were killed and one injured in crossfire between security personnel and an armed group in Masia, an area northwest of Yambio town.
Pastor Nathan Betuli, a pastor with ADRA says UNMISS peacekeepers are conducting patrols around the perimeter area of the compound.
Pastor Betuli says youth volunteers, trained by UNMISS are taking care of security within the compound.
“UNMISS trained volunteer youth are protecting the compound. They do not allow entry of knives, guns or any other dangerous objects.”
Unrest broke out in Yambio early this week following the arrest of youth suspects. Two Policemen were killed and one injured in crossfire between security personnel and an armed group in Masia, an area northwest of Yambio town.
Pastor Nathan Betuli says the humanitarian condition of the IDPs is getting worse. UNMISS is providing protection and water.
The Pastor says the people urgently need food and shelter.
“These people are suffering, toilets and other facilities are not there. Children are suffering the most as they sleep in the cold and women search for food.”
A woman displaced by the insecurity in Yambio town gave birth to a baby boy in a small shelter outside the ADRA compound. The baby was delivered by an ADRA midwife.
The woman’s husband, Luka Toobo told Radio Miraya that his wife went into labour at the height of the fighting.
“This fighting started when my wife was already in a pain, we tried to run to the Hospital, but there was nobody. She gave birth to our baby boy in a small room outside the ADRA compound”