UNHCR, the UN refugees agency, said Monday that Yida camp was calm and most of the refugees returned to their homes on Sunday after Saturday night’s shooting that led more than 600 women and children to flee.
UNHCR External Relations Officer Teresa Ongaro told CRN that the women and children were sheltered in two compounds guarded by peacekeepers on Saturday night.She said on Sunday most of the refugees voluntarily returned home after calm was restored.
Ms Ongaro said UNHCR was concerned about the security in Yida camp because it was too close to the border.
She announced that the voluntary relocation to the new site in Ajoung, located 19 kilometres away from the disputed Jau border area, would start at the end of March.
She said UNHCR was anxious to keep the civilian nature of the refugee camps.
South Sudan Commissioner for Refugees Bol John Akot declined to comment on the fighting and casualties, saying he was waiting for a proper report from Yida.
Media reports said one policeman and two children were killed in the clashes between the South Sudanese police and JEM members led by Nimeiri Teiya from Nuba Mountains in Yida camp.