South Sudan to deploy more forces to volatile states

December 10, 2012 (JUBA) – South Sudanese government will deploy more auxiliary police forces in order to deter inter-communal attacks and cattle raiding in the states affected, says an official of the government.

The deputy minister of interior, Gen. Salva Mathok Gengdit, on Monday revealed that more forces will be deployed between the tria-states of Warrap, Unity and Lakes in preparation of the ground for maintaining security in anticipation of any violent conflicts arising during the coming dry season.

Gengdit made the statement shortly after a joint meeting of governors of the three states and the leadership of the national ministry of Interior chaired by the Vice President, Riek Machar.

He expressed the importance of the gathering which he said came out with a number of resolutions to implement. He further explained that auxiliary police forces will be deployed in a number of bordering counties in order to arrest the tensions.

The meeting discussed the recent attacks carried out by the youth from Lakes state into Warrap and Unity states, adding that the governor of Lakes state, Chol Tong Mayay, was directed in the meeting to trace and return to the owners the cattle stolen from Unity state in the last few days.

He also added that the government has encouraged the peace initiative by the youth from the three states and that it will support the initiative through the Peace Commission and other partners.

A disarmament campaign will be carried out in the three states to get rid of weapons from the civilians.

Hundreds of people have lost their lives for the last seven years as a result of inter-communal conflicts in the tria-states.

(ST)