The governor of Gbudwe state says the UN peacekeepers in the state have agreed not to use tanks and heavy machine guns when patrolling the area.

Last week, the State Minister of local government and law enforcement issued a ministerial order, barring the peacekeepers from conducting patrols; an exercise he said was scaring civilians.

“The shootings have stopped and there are no more crimes. That’s why we are saying that there is no need for UNMISS to use tanks even when they are going to market to buy vegetables or fruits,” said Governor Patrick Raphael, speaking to Eye Radio.
He added that the UN security personnel can now only use tanks when they have a serious work to do.

“We told them, no, you go and park your tanks. But when there is an official work like they are going out or if their planes are landing at the airport, it will be okay for them to use them.”

The UN peacekeeping mission is yet to comment on the matter.