The UN refugee agency, UNCHR, says it is ‘deeply concerned’ about the safety of refugees in Yida, South Sudan, after warplanes circled over the refugee camp several times on Wednesday.
Radio Tamazuj reported on Monday that Sudanese warplanes attacked unidentified targets in Pariang County. New sightings of warplanes come just two days after that incident.
Local authorities say the aerial bombardment took place at Neem, a community 26 kilometres north of Yida and close to the disputed border area of Jau. The targeted village is on the road that refugees use when coming from the war-torn Nuba Mountains in Sudan.
Melissa Fleming, spokesperson of UNHCR at its Genevea headquarters, said Friday the sighting of the aircraft on Wednesday “raised fears that the refugee settlement may soon come under direct or indirect military attack.”
She noted that Yida was attacked once before in November 2011, when two bombs struck within ht ecamp including one close to a school for refugee children.
“With the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, Pariang County – where Yida is located – has seen increased militarization by regular and irregular armed groups. Shifting conflict lines leave refugees exposed to serious protection risks, including gender-based violence,” she added.
Photo: A Mongolian UN soldier stands guard at the UNHCR compound in Yida, 16 March 2013 (Radio Tamazuj)