South Sudanese fear leaving UN protected camps despite peace

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — Tens of thousands of people are still sheltering in United Nations protected camps across South Sudan, the legacy of an unprecedented decision by a U.N. peacekeeping mission to throw open its doors to people fleeing civil war.

What began as a temporary experiment is looking more like a permanent refuge for more than 190,000 people living in squalor. Now the U.N. has pushed for the camps to close, amid warnings by the international community that rushing the process could re-ignite violence among ethnic groups.

Tracing his fingers over the metal fencing at one site in South Sudan’s capital, Nhial Nyuot Nhial hung his head as he contemplated going home. “At the moment it’s impossible for someone to leave,” he said.