South Sudan security arrests ex-Wau governor after dismissal

June 25, 2016 (JUBA)- South Sudanese government has arrested Elias Waya Nyipuoc just hours after president Salva Kiir issued unexpected republican order sacking him from office in less than nine months since his appointment.

A high ranking security officer told Sudan Tribune Saturday that Nyipuoc was arrested on directives from higher authorities because he was behind the insecurity in town.

“That man deserves to be arrested to account for the loss of lives and properties of the security situation he caused in Wau. A lot of lives have been lost because of the way he was talking to the command. He was talking nonsense and has no respect to the division commander, not respecting security officers. Whom does he want to work with him? If he wants the rebels of Riek Machar, then he should have joined them before”, a visibly looking angry security officer told Sudan tribune on Saturday.

The latest security situation in Wau has forced more than 1000 civilians to seek protection at United Nations mission camp in the area. The International Committee of the Red Cross in the area expressed concern for the safety of the civilian population and warned immediate humanitarian crisis.

“How many times will South Sudanese civilians be forced to flee battle zones, knowing that if they don’t their lives will be in danger?” ICRC’s Deputy Head of Delegation for South Sudan, Gregory Mueller said.

“We again ask those involved in the fighting to not target civilians, medical facilities and humanitarian workers. Aid workers must be allowed to work,” he added.

People trying to escape hostilities must be allowed to travel unimpeded. These are obligations mandated by International Humanitarian Law, stressed Mueller.

(ST)