South Sudan legislators hold Eastern Nile governor over Malakal attack

February 26, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese members of parliament from the newly created Latjor state – one of the new states curved out from Upper Nile state when president Salva Kiir unilaterally issued an order creating 28 states – have issued a statement condemning the last week’s attack on the protection of civilians camp in Malakal managed by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The lawmakers held responsible the newly appointed governor of Eastern Nile state, General Chol Thon, for allegedly masterminding the attack in which at least 18 people were killed and up to 90 others sustained injuries.

The parliamentarians said they were deeply saddened by what they described as “ barbaric killing” of innocent unarmed civilians inside protection site which occurred on 17 and 18 February. The violence pitted members of the Dinka and Shilluk but later on involved members of Nuer tribe when some of their members were allegedly killed by the Dinka armed youth.

“We therefore, strongly condemn this horrific incident in strongest terms possible. We also would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of victims from Nuer, and any other communities in Malakal UNMISS camp who were affected by this senseless fight. We strongly believe that Governor Chol Thon, the Governor of Eastern Nile State is behind this tragic incident,” the legislator said.

The perpetrators, according to the statement, hail from Dinka of Padang ethnic community, especially from the headquarters of governor, Chol Thon Balok. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers were dressed in uniforms of the South Sudanese army (SPLA).

The legislators charged governor Thon, since his appointment has frequently been preaching hatred and inciting statements against the communities of Latjor and Western Nile States.

Governor Thon, according to the release, has also refused to cooperate with the two governors of Latjor and Western Nile states since their appointments.

“We believe that his activities are a clear insubordination to the President’s order, because Governor Chol Thon has refused to visit former Upper Nile State capital-Malakal with other two States Governors namely, Latjor and Western Nile,” the release notes.

They urged the national government and the United Nations to urgently form a high level of investigation team and dispatch it to Malakal for fact-finding mission and bring the culprits to book.

The lawmakers also blamed UNMISS for “failure” to provide the necessary protection to innocent civilians they claimed to be protecting. They accused the UN peace keepers for allegedly allowing guns to be smuggled into UNMISS compound.

(ST)