Balanda community in Yambio seeks UN protection after governor’s ousting

YAMBIO – Members of the Balanda ethnic community in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, are seeking protection from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), claiming they are being targeted following the removal of former governor Alfred Futuyo.

Futuyo, an ethnic Balanda, was removed from his position 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 other individuals.

Several Balanda residents told Sudans Post they are being targeted because of their ethnicity and association with the former governor.

One Yambio resident said his brother, an SPLM-IG member, was arrested twice by the SSPDF, and their father was also arrested after Futuyo’s removal.

“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 said.

Another Balanda woman, married to an Azande man, said her brother’s house 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 told Sudans Post.

A young Balanda man expressed fear for his family’s safety.

“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 said, calling for UNMISS intervention.

Some Balanda community 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 community member said.

Tensions between the Azande and Balanda communities have risen since Futuyo’s appointment. Analysts say the conflict is politically motivated.

Following his removal, houses belonging to Balanda people in Yambio and Tambura were reportedly looted and burned by suspected SSPDF members, with reports of deaths and arrests. Azande community members have been seen celebrating Futuyo’s removal.