YAMBIO – Members of the Balanda ethnic group in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, are looking for safety from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), claiming they’re being focused following the elimination of former governor Alfred Futuyo.
Futuyo, an ethnic Balanda, was faraway from his place by President Salva Kiir on Monday, after which his residence was attacked by suspected members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and different people.
Several Balanda residents instructed Sudans Post they’re being focused due to their ethnicity and affiliation with the previous governor.
One Yambio resident stated his brother, an SPLM-IG member, was arrested twice by the SSPDF, and their father was additionally arrested after Futuyo’s elimination.
“I called my brother, but his phone was answered by his son. He told me they are in the bush and that their father was arrested while going to work. Now, we don’t know where he is or how safe we are,” the resident from Nagero County stated.
Another Balanda girl, married to an Azande man, stated her brother’s home was attacked.
“He told me that three men came to their house and asked for the head of the family. When he asked what they wanted, they opened fire. Neighbors urged him to escape, which he did. The attackers left on a motorbike, taking a phone with them. My brother is now in the commissioner’s house,” she instructed Sudans Post.
A younger Balanda man expressed concern for his household’s security.
“Our people are not safe here. Some were attacked overnight by the SSPDF, and we know there are people directing them to Balanda houses in Yambio. Many of our people have been displaced,” he stated, calling for UNMISS intervention.
Some Balanda group members have sought shelter with Yambio Commissioner Mbiko Barakati.
“We are all here with my Father Pascal, Uncle James Adu, Phillip Rene, we came to sleep here so that we get protection, but if there is a place we can go like in UNMISS, that will be good, because our protection in the house of Commissioner Mbiko Barakati is still risk due to fact that he is a politician and can be fired anytime,” one group member stated.
Tensions between the Azande and Balanda communities have risen since Futuyo’s appointment. Analysts say the battle is politically motivated.
Following his elimination, homes belonging to Balanda individuals in Yambio and Tambura had been reportedly looted and burned by suspected SSPDF members, with studies of deaths and arrests. Azande group members have been seen celebrating Futuyo’s elimination.