The fighting that broke out last night within the SPLA headquarters in Juba has resumed around Juba University area after it appeared to have died out earlier that morning. In other areas of Juba the tension remains very high especially in Gudele area near the Bilpam headquarter of the SPLA.
The fighting broke out between groups loyal to president Salva Kiir and loyal to the sacked vice-president Riek Machar. But his spokesman said Riek Machar has nothing to do with the fighting. Rumors that Machar went to the US embassy for refuge was commented as ‘untrue’. He said Riek Machar is not involved. People have reported seeing dead bodies all over the road near the Juba University.
The problems arose form a failed meeting of the SPLM leadership last weekend. National Liberation Council was supposed to seek solutions for the severe political tensions between Salva Kiir and his former vice president Rik Machar. He is leading a group of people that includes the former secretary general of the SPLM, Pagan Amum and the wife of the former leader of John Garang.
The SPLA spokesman Philip Aguer told this morning on the national radio people to stay inside their compounds. He is expecting a public statement by president Salva Kiir soon today (Monday). All inhabitants have ordered people to go back into their compounds.
The first shootings started last night just before 22:00 in the old military headquarter Souq Sitta. The firing continued for at least an hour. After 23:30 sustained and heavy fire was heard emanating from the former Joint Integrated Unit/GHQ building near Nyakuron Cultural Centre.
Nearly the same time fighting started throughout Juba including Bilpam, the new SPLA Headquarters and barracks, it is located between Jebel Market and North Nyakuron near the UN House. Just before 3:00 o’clock Radio Tamazuj noticed a break in the fighting but after 6:30 (Monday morning) fighting resumed in the Nyakuron area. Half an hour later the fighting also stated again in Bilpam.
Witnesses saw the use of HMG (used for air defense) and mortars. As a result of this insecurity approximately 300 civilians have sought refuge in UN House. Another 500-600 civilians have come into the UN camp in Tomping near the airport. The UNMISS head, Hilde Johnson expressed her deep concerns and asks for restraint of violence.
She said she had talked to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and to Riek Machar, Deputy Chairman of the SPLM, and called on both of them to call for restraint, as well as the Defence Minister, the Minister of National Security and the Foreign Minister.
News photo: Fuel station cliosed in Juba (Twitter)