Government and opposition forces led by Riek Machar clashed in Ezo county of Western Equatoria state on Monday, forcing many civilians to flee to neighboring Democratic of Congo and the Central African Republic, according to a government official.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Luciano Bakinde, the commissioner of Ezo county said that government forces repulsed an attack by armed opposition forces on the area. Radio Tamazuj was unable to independently confirm his account.
Bakinde claimed that 5 were killed from the opposition side, calling on the armed groups to stop the war and join the peace.
“The clashes forced many civilians to flee the area to neighboring Congo and Central Africa Republic and some fled to the bush, while others sought shelter in the church” said Bakinde.