Governor Patrick Raphael Zamoi said seven people were killed yesterday during fighting between government troops and local militia in Yambio town.

The dead included a commissioner in his office named Angelo Parakondo, Zamoi said.

"I confirm the death of comrade Angelo Parakondo, commissioner of the headquarters. His death is regrettable. He was a great man," the governor said.

He described the killing as inhumane and unacceptable at a time of peace.

Zamoi did not identify those involved in the fighting but said his administration has been in dialogue with local militia to convince them to lay down their weapons for the sake of peace.

A member of a local militia calling itself the South Sudan National Liberation Movement said yesterday that government forces attacked its positions outside of Yambio town early in the morning, but denied SSNLM forces entered Yambio town.

The SSNLM has been in talks with the government regarding an end to hostilities.

Displaced waiting to go home

Meanwhile, at least 2000 civilians who fled the shooting took shelter at the compound of an NGO called ADRA next to the United Nations base in Yambio town yesterday.

One of the displaced said Friday that they will remain at ADRA today and tonight. If the situation remains calm they will return to their homes tomorrow, the person said.

The person said there is water but little food or shelter because people were unable to bring goods with them when they fled yesterday's clashes. The source said the Yambio market remains closed today.

The person said UN peacekeepers are stationed outside the ADRA gate and are moving with their trucks to provide protection for the displaced people.

Related:

Updated: New fighting in Western Equatoria capital Yambio (21 Jan.)