N. Bahr el Ghazal fires 22 employees over their election views

By Ngor Arol Garang

March 10,2010 (KHARTOUM) — Authorities from the southern state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal have fired 22 state government employees in different locations from Aweil West County over allegations that they are supporters of the independent candidates contesting the upcoming elections against official nominees of the state’s ruling party, the SPLM.

Commissioner of Aweil West County Riak Wol Atuer, who is a former minister of finance, is said to have suspended the salaries of 19 teachers and three health workers because they are supporting independent candidates. According to a list of names obtained by Sudan Tribune, the majority of the affected officials come from Ayat and Majakbai constituency. A few others come from Gomjuer.

Simon Kuot Kuot, a supporter of an independent candidate in the area, said the affected officials brought their plight to his attention yesterday questioning the rationale behind the suspension of their salaries when the salaries of those who support NCP and other political parties headed by personalities known to have strong links with NCP have not been suspended. According to him, most of people in the constituency are supporting the independent candidates because the selection made by the state SPLM electoral college did not reflect their choice.

Senior officials in the state Ministry of Education, asked whether the decision leading to the suspension of the officials’ salaries could be due to an administrative reason, responded that the mass suspension of salaries cannot be due to an administrative reason. James Akol Dut Awan, one of the affected teachers, reportedly told Mr. Kuot that they were threatened by the commissioner to dissociate themselves with independent candidates or face dire consequences which might include loss of life.

Mr. Awan, who is the head teacher of Maluil primary school, said he fears for his life and that he would prefer handing himself to the United Nations Mission in Sudan at Aweil for security saying the commissioner has received instructions from state authorities to arrest without investigation.

However, Simon Kuot suggested that the commissioner does not have it in his power to order the state security organ to arrest the teacher. He also predicted that the commissioner would not even be able to mobilize his clan for this purpose. Mr. Kuot advised the teacher that “the only thing he can do to kill you is to bewitch you if he has the occult power.”

The suspension of salaries of officials linked to independent candidates has reportedly become widespread. The policy has been applied to teachers, health workers, and a number of executive chiefs.

“The use of coercive strategies in the community where courage and bravery is highly valued will not help Mr. Commissioner and his aggressive attitude is both damaging to the image of the SPLM and alienating people from the people’s party,” Kuot said.

The politician added that notwithstanding these activities he is asking voters to vote for the national SPLM candidate Yasir Saeed Arman and the South Sudan presidential candidate Salva Kiir Mayardit.

(ST)