SPLM denies attacking the house of presidential advisor in South Sudan
July 30, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) denied attacking the house of the Presidential Advisor and deputy chairman of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) for southern Sudan affairs Riek Gai Kok in Upper Nile State.
The NCP said that an armed group from the SPLA] attacked the home of Riek Gai Kok, in the town of Rank in Upper Nile State. Gai Kok is spending his holidays in Cairo. Gai’s personal driver who was affected by the attack was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The SPLA said there is a small force in Rank charged to disarm people who enter the town from their arms and give it back once they leave. The SPLA headquarters promised to investigate the issue.
The group which was being armed with guns and a number of grenades affirmed that it knew the house and its owner had surrounded the house. The leader of the group affirmed that they were targeting Gai Kok because he was a terrorist.
Following a number of communication with leaders of the NCP, Gai’s deputy at the NCP, Ali Tamim Fartak, the President’s advisor led by the SPLM and leaders of the Armed Forces, the attacking forces were compelled to leave the house, however, according to eyewitnesses they are still within the area around the house and continuing with acts described as incitement.
The official spokesman of the southern sector in the NCP, Khamis Hagar, condemned the attack which he described as unjustified and represented a dangerous move that would threaten stability and security. He urged political and military leaders from the SPLM to control its members and immediately show its steadfastness under such situations as well as reduce the dangers of such acts and take legal action against the perpetrators.
Riek Gai, a Nuer, was chairman of the Southern Sudan Coordination Council (2002-05). He was governor of Jonglei state in 1998-2000. He Spokesman for the SSIM/A 1997-98.
(ST)