Nov 13, 2018(Nyamilepedia) — Latest attacks on South Sudanese refugees working in local’s farms 1 kilometer away from Nyuanyiel Refugee camp in Gambella, Western Ethiopia left two wounded and two more dead.
The attack, which was carried out by the Anyauk according to the eyes witnesses, was severe, leaving many in the camp very much frightened and uncertain.
Speaking to one of the survivors, who asked for the protection of his identity, this attack was carried out as part of a wider revenge.
“You know that Gambella region has not been peaceful for a few weeks due to change of leadership. So, the local people in Lare woreda went and killed a policeman who is from Anyuak tribe in charge of Lare Wareda station because they are not happy because their son who was previously appointed as the president of Gambela was replaced last week by his deputy.”
Upon the news of the death, an Anyuak policeman and his clansmen, went and carried out the attacked on Refugees working in Ethiopian contractor farm.
The farm is owned by a local who hired about 50 South Sudanese refugees on cheap labor to work on the farm.
On Monday morning as the refugees turn up for their normal duty, a fire was opened on 50 workers mostly women killing two men on the spot and left two women wounded.
The eyes witnesses said they identified the attackers as Anyauk.
“they decided to launch an attack on Refugees because they all are Nuer instead of their fellow citizens.” He further told Nyamiledpedia editorial Team.
With changes of the leadership this month in Gambela, which saw the former president, Dr. Gatluak Tut Koat replaced by Ato Thankuiy Jack who was later removed by Dr. Abiy Ahmed early this month setting the rival major tribes in Gambela fighting.
“Anyuak men with different military uniform met refugees early today morning in investor’s garden. They simply shot at refugees, killed two men and wounded also two women at the same time.” An official who works for ARRA (Administration for Refugees and Returnee Affairs) and asked for his identity not to be reveals told Nyamelipedia editorial.
The Nguenyyiel Refugee Camp is the newest and largest camp in Gambella that was opened to accommodate South Sudanese refugees seeking international protection.
The camp currently, according to the UNHCR, hosts nearly 85, 000 South Sudanese refugees mostly from the Eastern part of South Sudan.
