The Episcopal Bishop of Yei Diocese says continuous fighting between various armed opposition groups in Yei River State undermines the Khartoum declaration on permanent cease fire signed by the warring parties earlier this month.
Bishop Hillary Luate Adeba told Radio Tamazuj that hundreds of people in Minyori, Jansuk, Soka and Mukaya are being displaced in fresh fighting among various armed opposition forces in Yei River State.
Adeba noted that the ongoing internal conflicts frustrate the citizen’s hopes for peace, unity and reconciliation.
“While we are eagerly waiting for a final peace to reach our country, we should also be mindful of other issues affecting us as we go towards the end of this crisis and if these issues are not resolved now, it may undermine the arrival of peace,” Adeba said
Bishop Adeba noted that those displaced continue to live in unbearable conditions at the ECS diocese church compound without access to food, medicine, clean water and education.
“We continue to experience clashes in Mukaya, Minyori and Jansuk resulting into massive displacement of civilians in Yei town with their properties destroyed, scores killed and some are now in the town hungry and reduced to beggars for food from NGOs who have not responded so far. Children are left under trees without education,” Adeba said.
Hillary said the church is working very hard to dialogue with communities to pave way for peaceful co-existence in Yei River County. He also urged humanitarian organizations to visit the area and provide the much needed aid.