By Yiep Joseph
A peaceful protest at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County, Kenya, escalated into violence, resulting in injuries to an unspecified number of refugees, including South Sudanese nationals.
The protest, sparked by severe food and water shortages and concerns over forced integration, saw refugees march into Kakuma town last week.
Reports from Turkana County News indicate that some refugees sustained gunshot wounds, though their conditions are not considered critical.
The camp, home to refugees from South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi, has been struggling with increasing tensions over resource scarcity and the Kenyan government’s integration plans.
“Several refugees sustained serious gunshot injuries after clashing with police during a peaceful protest at UNHCR offices over food shortages, water, and insecurity at Kakuma Refugee Camp,” according to Kenya media.
Meanwhile, another blog reported that a protest at the UNHCR Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya resulted in violence, with five innocent refugees reportedly shot.
However, efforts to reach South Sudan Foreign Affairs officials, Kenyan authorities to comment on the alleged target shooting of peaceful protesters were not peaceful.
Both governments have not yet issued statements regarding the incident.
Citizens and civil society have condemned the actions of the Kenyan police, which resulted in the injury of several individuals, labeling it as unlawful.
Meanwhile, in an interview with this outlet, Ter Manyang, the Executive Director for the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), urged Kenya to respect international refugee law.
“I call upon the Government of Kenya to uphold international refugee law. Kenya has signed and ratified key conventions, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1969 OAU Convention, and has recently enacted a new Refugee Act aimed at solidifying the rights of refugees,” he appealed.
He called on Kenya to protect refugees and provide basic needs.
“Kenya has an obligation to protect refugees and provide essential services such as food, water, and healthcare. Refugees residing in Kenya deserve the government’s commitment to promote and safeguard their human rights,” he said.
“I also urge the government of South Sudan to encourage the government of Kenya to respect international human rights and refugee law,” he added.
In a separate statement, Jacob Anei urged the South Sudan government to ensure that the Kenyan government investigate those involved in the shooting of the peaceful protestors.
“Indeed, it is outrageous when refugees peacefully protesting against drastic food rations cuts are shot at, yet they have never vandalized or provoked police officers,” he said.
“The Kenya Police ought to know that human rights are universal; the right to life and peaceful protest is guaranteed under the Kenya Constitution,” he added.