Western Equatoria governor denies request to arm civilians

By Richard Ruati

February 2, 2009 (YAMBIO) The governor of Western Equatoria state has dismissed reports saying she had asked southern Sudan government to arm civilians to fight the Ugandan rebels who committed recently several attacks in the region.

Governor Jemma Nunu Kumba was speaking today during a ceremony to mark a year of achievements in the state, attended by the deputy governor, the government officials and the state lawmakers.

Kumba, who reminded the people of WES to protect themselves with any form of local weapon, dismissed media reports that WES governor has asked GOSS to arm civilians. “What we asked GOSS was to pave way for the formation of arrow boys and security guards, as village vigilantes,” she stressed.

“The fight against mischievous LRA is not only the responsibility of state government and GOSS, citizens should take protective measures around their neighborhood.”

The governor acknowledged that, “LRA have stepped up revenge on the innocent people of WES, bringing fear and worry on the forefaces of the WES people.” My message on the 9th January this year was clear, “people should be ready for self defense.”

Insecurity has of recent months has engulfed the villages of WES, caused by the elusive LRA rebels. They have carried repetitive brutal, barbaric and vicious attacks on the region, originally a Uganda rebel group, changed their tactics to terrorize the people of WES.

The state governor has condemned these horrendous attacks and she is determined to be emollient, she has described the situation as “macabre”.

Charred bodies of innocent civilians has been discovered in the bushes of WES chopped to death and grass houses, and food items burned down by the LRA rebels.

This situation was and is of great concern to the people of WES as the LRA rebels are now scattered all over causing untold atrocities to the communities; killing, looting and abduction civilians.

The terror, that has been transplanted, to the remote villages in Western Equatoria State, the bewildered victims of this campaign know nothing of the cause espoused by those that are hunting them – they have never been to neighboring Uganda.

In her conclusion, she remarked that, “the unwavering support she has received from the people of WES is indeed adorable.”

“If there are potholes which the state government left unfilled, we are sorry as a government and we promise to fill it this time round, and WES citizens should come forward with positive recommendations on how best those can be managed and achieved.”

(ST)