Sudan’s SPLA soldiers beat two Western Equatoria ministers
May 2, 2006 (JUBA) — Two regional ministers from southern Sudan Western Equatoria have been harassed and beaten by soldiers of Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). The incident happened when the travelling ministers were arrested at a checkpoint by SPLA soldiers.
An incident involving Western Equatoria State (WES) ministers of Finance and Agriculture at Rasulu in the border areas between Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria states as they travelled to Yei from Maridi.
The Western Equatoria minister of Finance, John Dominic Dabi and the minister of Agriculture Dr. Jackson Zowai, were travelling to Juba via road from Maridi to Yei when they arrived at Rasulu junction at 4:00 p.m., 30 April 2006, and their car was stopped at a checkpoint said to be manned by some SPLA soldiers from the Dinka ethnic group.
The soldiers refused to open the gate to allow the ministers and their support staff to pass through and proceed.
After more than 20 minutes one of the misters who came out of the car first, Dr. Jackson Zowai then asked if their own driver could not open the gate so that they can continue with their journey. But the SPLA soldiers cocked their guns and said anybody who opens the gate will be shot dead.
As Dabi, then got off the car, unknown number of the SPLA soldiers are then said to have landed on him with countless blows.
After this tense incident the ministers and their support staff were allowed to continue with their journey. They arrived in Yei and reported the incident to the military authorities there but they were advised to go and report the incident to the SPLA soldiers’ Division commander, CDR Richard Babiro who was said to be in Lanya on the way to Juba, but when they arrived Lanya CDR Richard Babiro was said to have gone back to Yei, a story the ministers’ company hardly believed.
The ministers have now arrived Juba and have been to the SPLA Army Headquarters to report the incident and they are seeking disciplinary action against the soldiers who can beat one of their own SPLM minister and obstruct ministers from free movement and threaten civilian lives.
The case has already been reported to Major Gen Obute Marmur and Major Gen Malaual Majok and the response of these commanders is being awaited. Also, the ministers on Tuesday 2 May have written an official complain to Major Gen. Oyai Deng Ajak Chief of Staff for the SPLA.
During the war, some SPLA soldiers were well known for brutality and mistreatment of civilians. “To continue with the same culture into a peaceful Southern Sudan under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement cannot be tolerated”, observers said.
Under normal conditions, checking vehicles at check points are the responsibility of Police Officers. “As the soldiers at Rasulu check point continue to harass and humiliate people including senior staff of Western Equatoria State”, the ministers strongly recommend that SPLA leadership take appropriate action to bring the soldiers to justice to avoid future events of similar kind, said an informed source.
(ST)