At least 400 South Sudanese refugees have
crossed into Lamwo district following clashes
between armed bandits and South Sudan
People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in Ikotos and
Magwi counties in Eastern Equatorial State.
According to the refugees, the fighting broke
out three days ago. Jonathan Rutabingwa, the
Lamwo Resident District Commissioner says he
was informed about the fighting by Peter
Lokeng, the Commissioner of Ikotos County in
Eastern Equatorial State.
He quotes Lokeng saying the shelling is aimed
at neutralising the armed bandits following their
attack on military installations in Ikotos and
Magwi counties.
He says the motives of the attacks are still
unknown and civilians fear it might escalate into
another civil war. There have been no
immediate reports of casualties.
Rutabingwa said that the refugees are entering with
mattresses, water containers and personal
effects.
He says some of the refugees dispersed in
disarray are also being expected in Kaabong
district. Rutabingwa, who heads security in
Lamwo district says while more are still
expected to arrive, all 400 refugees have been
relocated from the border point to Adjumani
Refugees Settlement Camp in Adjumani district
by United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees and the World Food Programme.
According to Rutabingwa, they have tightened
security at the border to prevent infiltration by
wrong elements.
Mathew Ochen Akiya, the
Lamwo LC V chairperson says the Office of the
Prime Minister is also involved in resettling the
refugees.