Pre-referendum security detractors warned: Interior Minister
By Julius N. Uma
July 20, 2010 (JUBA) — With Sudan’s long-awaited referendum bound to become a reality, elements with intentions to disrupt south Sudan’s security will face the full wrath of existing laws, the Internal Affairs Minister, Maj. Gen. Gier Chuang Aluong has said.
“As you are all aware, we had some elements of insurgency in Jonglei and parts if Upper Nile states. However the SPLA [Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army] forces effectively intervened and now the situation is back to normal,” the Interior Minister said.
Reacting to a query about Khartoum’s alleged support for southern-based militias; Maj. Gen. Gier said a post-referendum committee, consisting of senior officials from both the Government of National Unity (GoNU) and the southern governments were holding discussions into such issues.
Asked to comment on the army’s involvement in elections and what actions were being taken on those implicated, the Internal Affairs Minister blamed the whole saga on certain individuals, as opposed to army units.
“We noted with concerns some of the documented cases of intimidations and harassments. After investigating, we discovered that some individuals were directly involved and the matter is being handled by their various battalions,” he said.
The Ministers remarks came nearly two months after Government of Southern Sudan President; Salva Kiir Mayardit said security and the post-referendum would top his five-year strategic plan.
However, several pockets of post-election uprisings, inter-tribal conflicts and of recent an alleged SPLM-DC backed militia insurgency, still threatens prospects of a free, fair and successful referendum.
Already earmarked for January 9, 2011, the referendum for self-determination is a key requirement in the country’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA); the accord that ended over two-decades of a bloody civil war between north and south Sudan.
(ST)