Lakes state politician threatened in political dispute

October 31, 2012 (RUMBEK) – The Lakes state Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) assistant secretary for political affairs, Malou Moses Majok, has said that he fears for his safety following a disagreement with the state party chairperson Daniel Awet Akot.

According to Majok, Awet referred to him as the “late Malou” during the meeting.

Majok told the press “I am very concerned by his statement”.

Akot, who is also the deputy speaker for National Assembly, stated that he had “withdrawn the statement”.

Majok explained that Awet used the “late” reference three times during the meeting, adding “if anybody throws a stone at me or beats me with sick, it will signal Awet’s aim. This is a very serious matter and I take it seriously.”

Although Awet withdrew the statement, Majok said he still felt threatened as he “maintained three land cruisers with machine guns” in the area and “all roads during our meeting were closed”. Majok said that the secretariat security is normally maintained by the police, making the army’s presence intimidating.

Awet said the armed vehicles “were for my protection.”

Akot came to Rumbek on Monday to announce Dhuol’s appointment but Lakes state assistant secretaries, county chairpersons and county secretaries accused him of causing disruption by making the appointment without consulting the State Liberation Council member (SLC).

The appointment was widely opposed during the meeting and a no agreement was reached. In response, Awet announced Dhuol will not assume his new post until further notice.

(ST)