23 January 2013 - The security situation in Central Equatoria's Yei County has greatly improved since violence broke out a month ago, County Commissioner Juma David Augustine said today.

Speaking to an UNMISS team visiting the area this week to assess the situation, Mr. Juma said the violence could be attributed to opportunistic politicians trying to win public favour (by undermining the current leadership).

"Some individuals feel that there is no life without crisis," he said, adding that the victims had been targeted arbitrarily.

In December 2012, about 50 houses in the locality were burnt to ashes and some residents were injured, although no loss of life was reported.

Speaking to UNMISS integrated teams that visited immediately following the incidents, residents alleged that the burning of houses could be related to land disputes.

With the support of UNMISS police advisors, Yei local authorities deployed security operatives to affected villages to contain further escalation of violence.

"As I speak now the area is calm and quiet," UN Police team leader in Yei County Basant Mishra told the assessment team.

Mr. Juma confirmed the arrest of nine suspects following the violence, although six were later released after investigations cleared them of any wrongdoing. The remaining three are still in custody.

"We can sleep well now," said 25-year old Suzan Nyoka, a resident of the affected area.

Others residents said that, although peace had been restored to the area, some parents had evacuated their children in case of any future violence.