S Sudan army attacked UN base sheltering civilians: aid workers

South Sudan government troops took part in a possible “war crime” attack killing at least 18 civilians inside a United Nations base, residents, rebels and aid sources said.

At least 18 people were killed and over 70 wounded in the clashes in the UN camp on Wednesday to Thursday in the north-eastern town of Malakal, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has said, including two of their own staff killed. forty-six of the injured had bullet wounds. Residents reported gunmen shooting in crowded areas in the tightly packed camp of tents and basic shelters housing over 47,700 people fleeing a civil war that began in late 2013.

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) blamed the clashes on rival tribes inside the camp -- “between Shilluk and Dinka youths” -- saying “at least seven” people were killed.

It added that “such an attack against civilians and UN premises may constitute a war crime.” Resident Jacob Nhial described government troops wearing the uniform of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) “shooting at civilians” with fighting taking place in the camp, as well as gunfire coming from soldiers outside. Confidential UN communication seen by AFP also said that SPLA soldiers took part in the attack.