South Sudan ramps up security in Warrap after tribal clashes
October 14, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s government said on Tuesday it has increased its security measures in Warrap state in an attempt to preempt tribal tensions amid fears of possible revenge attacks following the outbreak of fresh clashes in separate locations in August and September.
The visit also comes in the wake of some reports suggesting that rival armed youths are threatening to cause insecurity in the region because of the perceived failure of the government to address the root causes of the conflict.
Speaker of Warrap’s legislative assembly Moses Madot Dut Deng, who represents the area in state parliament, said the visit was to assess the situation on the ground and hold discussions with the two rival sides.
“The minister of interior and the acting governor together with members of parliament went to Tonj East county on [a] peace mission,” Deng told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday from Warrap state capital Kuacjok.
“The issue of insecurity has [been] one of the things for which we have been writing reports since we came to this House after the 2010 elections,” he added.
Meanwhile, Aleu said the overall security situation in the area remained calm, adding that he planned to listen to both sides on what could be done to resolve the dispute amicably.
“There is no particular concern in the area. The issue of communal clashes over some petty issues is something we can work with the chiefs and the state government in collaboration with the county authorities to address, so that it does not distraction for service delivery,” said Aleu.
He told Sudan Tribune that while the number of organised forces in the area would be boosted to prevent further unrest, establishing community dialogue was the key to resolving issues among the groups.
(ST)