IRNA Report: Yei (6-8 September 2016)
IRNA Report: Yei (6-8 September 2016)
Following the July fighting in Juba, Yei Town and areas south of Yei in the Lasu Payam and towards the Yei – Kaya road have seen intense fighting and insecurity. Large numbers of civilians have fled across the border to Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, while thousands are reported to remain trapped in areas outside of Yei town where clashes are ongoing. Targeting of civilians -including killings, abductions, sexual violence, forced recruitment and mistreatment by armed groups- has been reported. On 6-8 September, an inter-agency rapid needs assessment and response mission travelled to Yei to assess the humanitarian needs.
Yei Town and surrounding areas are facing a protection crisis. Fighting and continued insecurity in Yei has resulted in the displacement of around 60-70 per cent of the population. The team noticed the emptying of most neighbourhoods, with locked homes visible in all communities. In interviews conducted by the team, civilians reported that neighbours had fled and many cited that the isolation felt them fearful. Protection was the most cited need amongst all those interviewed followed by food and medicines.
