South Sudan youths attack US journalist
US
journalist was Tuesday critically injured by an angry mob as she covered a
demonstration against the American arms embargo in Juba.
The demonstration was organized by various youth
groups, including the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) Youth League.
The incident happened at the UN mission main camp
near the Juba International Airport.
Was rescued
The American journalist, who was left unconscious,
was rescued by UN peacekeepers and the local police who took her to UNMISS
compound for medical attention.
The US embassy in Juba did not wish to comment on
the attack on the journalist identified as Ms Sam Mednick and said to be
working for AP news agency.
A local journalist who witnessed the incident said
the irate youths seemed to be angry at any white person, especially American
nationals.
The mob also beat up Mr Julius Gale, a local
journalist working for the Juba-based Radio Bakhita.
Mr Gale was also covering the demonstration against
the US arms embargo.
The South Sudan government was yet to issue a
statement on the incident.
A strong signal
The US last Friday announced a ban on arms sale to
South Sudan, saying the continuing violence, which has created one of Africa’s
worst humanitarian crises, showed no signs of ending.
It also said both the government and rebels were
heavily spending on military than on peace and development.
Juba reacted angrily to the US action and summoned
its ambassador to Washington, Mr Garang Diing Akuong,
back home.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) welcomed the US arms ban,
saying it would send a strong signal to the South Sudan leaders that abuses and
broken promises would not be tolerated.

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