Death toll in refugee camp clashes hits six

By Lucas Ngasike

Another Sudanese refugee has succumbed to injuries following recent clashes at Kakuma refugee camp, bringing the death toll to six.

The head of the refugee affairs in Kakuma, Abdulahi Abdi said the victim died as he was being airlifted by a UN plane to Nairobi on Friday for specialised treatment.

Mr Abdi said the refugee was among three critically injured victims who were being airlifted.

“It’s unfortunate that we lost one victim in the air as they were being flown to Nairobi for specialised treatment. The two remaining victims are receiving treatment in hospital,” Abdi said.

The Kakuma refugee camp manager said the recent clashes were instigated by a family dispute involving the Murle and Nuer clans over a child.

The two clans have been at war back in Southern Sudan over accusations of supporting rebels groups in the region.

When The Standard on Sunday team visited the refugee camp on Friday, they discovered that a woman who had been injured in the inter-clan violence was the last victim to be discharged in International Rescue Committee hospital. Abdi said calm has returned in the camp and business has resumed.

A Congolese refugee who witnessed the incident said they were not affected by the attack.

“We are living together with both communities in peace. What happened was just a small family disagreement that could have been resolved. We saw people being fell at our door steps but they didn’t touch other tribes they selectively fought among themselves,” said Mr Musa Kasereka

He said a joint meeting between the warring clans was scheduled to unite the groups.

“This was a small family dispute that could have been solved amicably without resulting to war. We have met the Murle and Nuer clan elders separately to broker peace in the camp. We will re unite them and ensure the communities live in peace and harmony,” Abdi said.