Two civilians died after fighting broke out between groups of intoxicated young men at the UN Protection of Civilians site (POC) in Bentiu town last Thursday, the United Nations said Monday.
In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan said when UN police officers intervened to stop the violence and protect other civilians, the youths turned on the officers, pelting them with stones and hitting them with sticks.
The mission disclosed that eight UN personnel were injured, including five police officers.
The statement said a delegation from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In-Opposition (SPLA-IO) met with community leaders at the camp on Sunday, and urged youth to refrain from violence against UN personnel and displaced people.
It added that community leaders also apologized for the incident. “UNMISS is carrying out an investigation into the rioting, including the death of the two young men involved. Community leaders are assisting with this process,” reads the statement.
Jak Diing Gatkek, an activist sheltering inside the UN camp, confirmed the incident. He pointed out that at least two people died after clashes broke out between young people inside the UN camp.
POC sites were established by the United Nations in 2013 to provide sanctuary to civilians fleeing violence when civil war erupted.