Dozens of children have relocated to another location after SPLA soldiers forcefully took over their orphanage in Yei, according to a South Sudanese church leader.
The church leader whose name is withheld for security reasons explained that the children were moved because SPLA soldiers entered the compound of the orphanage and occupied it.
“We felt it was not safe for orphans to remain in the compound because soldiers occupied it,” said the church leader.
He estimated the number of affected children at nearly 100. The orphanage was operated by an international Christian mission.
The church leader pointed out also that they have been blocked thus far from sending the children to Uganda to continue their education. He disclosed that they have submitted a letter requesting to grant them approval to allow them to transport the pupils to Uganda.
However, authorities in Yei River State told them they needed an approval from Juba. “They told us that approval needs to come from Juba,” the church leader added.
Much of the civil population of Yei and surrounding villages have fled to Uganda. Violence picked up in the area since July with reports of arbitrary killings and arrests.
Yei River State’s information minister when contacted said that he did not have time to speak about the issue.
File photo: Troops from South Sudan’s official army, the SPLA