Malakal attack: What UN knew vs what it said
A gunfight between UN peacekeepers in South Sudan and national army soldiers lasted for three hours during an attack on the UN-protected Malakal IDP camp in February, according to an internal UNMISS timeline of the event.
The UNMISS Public Information Office never publicly reported the extent of the violence between peacekeepers and the attackers, instead highlighting the inter-communal conflict that initially precipitated the incident.
An internal UNMISS report published by Radio Tamazuj instead details the role of SPLA in the violence:
"...1230 hours: Armed attackers continued firing into the POC sector 1.
Action taken: The Shilluk IDPs moved into the UNMISS base in large number.
1300 hours: Attackers were now seen in POC camp 1 also firing onto the IDPs and burning the tents. With thinning out of the IDPs from POC sector 1 the SPLA soldiers were being observed now.
Action taken: UNMISS forces exchanged fire with SPLA soldiers.
1400 hours: Attackers started burning all the tents in POC 1 and looting the camp.
Action taken: UNMISS forces intensified the exchange of fire..."