By Staff Writer
As military confrontation between government forces and opposition groups continues in some parts of the country, civilians become victims of crossfire.
This month, Yei River County of Central Equatoria State experienced a series of clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).
Despite security stability as reported by the commissioner, there are still cases of confrontation among forces.
Fresh reports revealed armed engagement on the ground despite several calls for cessation of hostilities.
At least three people were wounded in crossfire in Ombaci Boma in Yei County of Central Equatoria State, according to the people on the ground.
Speaking to the media, Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor of the Catholic Diocese of Yei expressed that those injured include two children and a breastfeeding mother.
According to the Lodiong, the civilians were injured in crossfire on Sunday morning in Ombaci Boma, Otogo Payam.
He said that the victims sustained serious injuries after armed soldiers opened fire during a patrol while pursuing one of the armed criminals in the area.
“We heard that two children and a breastfeeding mother were shot and left unattended at a local health facility. We struggled to transfer them to Yei Civil Hospital for medical attention,” Bishop Lodiong said.
The bishop said military commanders in the area told him that soldiers had been pursuing a suspected gunman and that the victims were caught in the exchange of fire.
Local residents, however, disputed the account, claiming the alleged gunman was unarmed and that civilians were fleeing when they were shot.
The mother of the children, Lona Danga, said the shooting occurred around 4:00 a.m. while the family was inside their house.
The mother further described the situation as painful and difficult for her family.
Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor Eyobo called on civilians to cooperate with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and urged authorities to ensure the safety of communities.
Efforts to reach out to Major general John Lual SSPDF Commander for greater Yei were not successful.
Recently a South Sudanese activist called on political leaders to renew efforts towards peace and stability after clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Yei River County.
His call followed heavy fighting that erupted on Saturday morning between SPLA-IO and SSPDF in Yei River County that left at least 17 soldiers dead.
The deadly violence occurred after the Joint Force of the SPLA-IO and NAS-TC launched offensive attacks on the SSPDF bases in Lasu and Libogo.