Very little attention has accompanied attacks on civilians in Southern Sudan blamed by victims and local authorities on the Lords Resistance Army. Below is a story by Juba Post. Attention has instead been focussed on the ongoing Juba Peace talks between the LRA and the government of Uganda. An agreement between the two parties has been reached to try alleged attrocities committed by the LRA in Ugandan courts instead of the International Criminal Court which has indicted top commanders of the rebel army.
Following the recent violent attacks mainly in Central Equatoria, the SPLA has reportedly deployed extra troops. If the attacks say anything it is to call to question the extent of control that the SPLA has in these areas. SPLA is a mediator in the Juba talks but can it be a guarantor of the peace after a final agreement is signed?
If the SPLA has a limited capacity, how will it participate in the implementation of demobilisation of the rebels? One of the realities of the current situation is that an agreement will be signed in Juba in the next 14 days. This does not mean that it will be honored by the LRA or the government. And clearly the SPLA as well judging by its response to the attacks and displacement of civilians.
Source. Juba Post
About 7,954 people have been displaced by armed men who are believed to be LRA rebels that attacked nine villages In Wonduruba and Katigiri in Central Equatoria, Stans Yatta has told The Juba Post newspaper on 13h. Mr Stans Yatta, State Director of Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC) in Central Equatoria State (CES) said “We have just received a message that a good number of people have been displaced from Katigiri and Wonduruba areas and about 454 are now in Juba,” Yatta said. He explained that his office is sending a assessment team on 14th, to the displaced persons in Jebel-kojur to determine exact numbers and humanitarian needs. “After the assessment is completed, together with goodwill partners, we shall see how to assist them with non-food items and other necessary needs,” he said. According to Yatta , he has received a report that 11 people were abducted during the attack by suspected LRA rebels. It has also been reported that 11 people have been abducted by the armed group that invaded Katigiri and Wonduruba. In a related statement Yatta said that a big number of villagers were looted of properties including food items, “We have also learnt that the 7,500 persons displaced at Wondrumba live in fear and are desperately in need of food assistance,” Yatta said If the security situation improves, we are going to assess the situation of the 7,500 displaced persons in Wonduruba Center. “Depending on the report of the commissioner of the area, if the security situation is normal we are going to conduct a joint assessment with partners,” he said. He explained that the displaced persons who arrived in Juba from Katigiri , came on foot , adding that more people are still arriving. He explained that one of the agencies (ZOA) has evacuated the area and come back to Juba on the Sunday 9th.
