UN confirms Juba airport fist fight among Ethiopian peacekeepers

JUBA – The United Nations has confirmed that a fist fight took place among Ethiopian peacekeepers at Juba International Airport yesterday, after attempt to return unwilling soldiers to Ethiopia.

Yesterday, fist fight that involved the use of sticks and punching resulted in the wounding of several peacekeepers mainly from Tigray region resisting return to their country in fear of government persecution.

In a statement UN spokesman said about 15 members of the contingent chose not to board a flight at the Juba International Airport. This according to several sources, worked the fight as commanders sought to force them on a plane.

“This morning, 169 members of the Ethiopian contingent were due to rotate out of Juba and (be) replaced by fresh contingents, a part of a normal rotation,” said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric during his daily press conference.

“We’re trying to get the details, but I do understand about 15 members of the contingent chose not to board the flight at the Juba airport… They’ve asked to stay,” he said, adding that “any person in need of international protection has the right to seek asylum.”