S. Sudan activist call for Jonglei state of emergency

By Julius N. Uma

December 28 (NIMULE) – The Government of South Sudan (GoSS) should immediately declare a state of emergency and establish a Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) buffer zone in the conflict areas of Jonglei state, a civil society entity said on Wednesday.

In a statement published ahead of a planned visit by government officials to assess the security situation in the state, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) argues that such measures will help resolve the tense situation between the Luo Nuer and the Murle communities.

According to section 187 (1) of South Sudan’s transitional constitution, “The president, may upon the occurrence of an imminent danger, whether it is war, invasion, blockade, natural disaster or epidemics, as may threaten the country, or any part thereof or the safety or economy of the same, declare a state of emergency in the country, or in any part thereof, in accordance with this Constitution and the law.”

On Monday, at least 24 people, mostly civilians, were reportedly killed in a clash involving Lou Nuer and Murle ethnic communities in Pibor County, Jonglei state, authorities said on Tuesday.

CEPO advocate for the involvement of perpetrators and victims of the conflict in the ongoing peace negotiations.

Over the weekend, UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) air patrols reportedly identified thousands of armed Lou Nuer youths preparing to attack Murle communities near Likuangole in Jonglei state.

UNMISS head, Hilde Johnson, on Tuesday urged GoSS to take all necessary measures to protect civilians in the country’s most populous state “to avert a major tragedy.”

As well as consistently advocating an end to the ethnic violence in the troubled region, UNMISS has also facilitated a reconciliation process between various communities, particularly the inclusive peace process led by the Sudan Council of Churches (SCC).

(ST)