UDF rally in Rumbek cancelled for fear of insecurity

By Manyang Mayom

September 7, 2009 (RUMBEK) – United Democratic Front (UDF), a southern Sudanese political party, called off a rally it had planned in the capital of Lakes state for fears of insecurity.

The first ever political rally convened here by the UDF over the weekend ended prematurely following rumours that students from the nearby Rumbek Senior Secondary School were planning to disrupt it.

Saturday’s rally held under the theme South for Southerners, had also been attended by representatives from other political parties including the Southern Sudan Democratic Front (SSDF), the United Democratic Salvation Front (UDSF) and the SPLM.

Apollo Madok Chol, Lakes state political advisor who represented the governor Lt. Gen. Daniel Awet Akot told Sudan Tribune he was surprised by the cancellation of the political event.

Meanwhile, Athuc Michael Mathiang, UDF representative in Lakes state cabinet affirmed that all security measures had been taken ahead of the rally. He further said this abort is real threat for other Southern Sudanese parties to continue their political activities in the state.

UDF supporters accused south ruling party the SPLM of disseminating wrong rumours to scare people and prevent them from taking part in such political manifestations.

A security personnel affirmed that the UDF rally had fall to the wrong place, “why just happened to be nearby Rumbek senior secondary school premises” and not freedom square whereby rallies are conducted” his noted.

In a separate report, the president of the government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), chairman of SPLM and Commander in chief of South Sudan army (SPLA) 1st Lt-Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit is expect to arrive Rumbek on Monday.

Kiir will continue his special trip to Malou infantry school to attend a graduation ceremony of chief officers.

(ST)