UNMISS Helicopter Detects Landmine In Yei County

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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A United Nation Mission In South Sudan (UNMISS) helicopter early this week detected a landmine planned to be planted 3 yards from the road side behind the fence of the police depot, 100 meters from the UNMISS Air strip in Yei River County, Jonglei State.

After visiting the site, the Commissioner of Yei River County Mr. Elia Waiwai told Gurtong that, the UNMISS office in Yei County reported on 10th January, 2012 that there was a landmine detected near the fence of the police patrol camp raising security concerns in the area. The object was identified as a planted landmine after the UNMISS staff consulted the Demine Group.

The Commissioner disclosed that the place was cleared of landmines. The County’s Police sergeant in charge of the police force concurred with the Commissioner that they had patrolled area three days ago and there was no sign of landmines there.

Meanwhile the Commissioner of Yei County attributed the incident to some criminals trying to sabotage the work of the police force who were maintaining security in Yei County during the 2011 festive season.

During the Liberation struggle, Yei County was one of the areas that faced strong resistance and contains a lot of landmines. This has economically affected agricultural activities since some areas haven’t been demined hence hindering cultivation.

The issues of insecurity and landmines in Yei River County are alarming and need urgent Government attention, last year in 2011; a woman lost her life to a landmine planted near her home at Lupapa village in Yei River County and a similar incident occurred near the Yei Civil Hospital. Security personnel are still investigating the matter.