Ezo county commissioner dismisses insecurity rumour

August 15, 2016 (YAMBIO) – The commissioner of Ezo county in South Sudan western Equatoria has refuted allegations that armed youth captured the county headquarters last week after fighting between the army and armed elements.

“The information going around in Western Equatoria and on social media is a total lie and it has no basis because the people in Ezo county are okay and I am getting information from there daily,” said Bakinde.

He said the road connecting his county was still insecure for those traveling by road and there is no airstrip.

Last week, heavy fighting occurred in Ezo county between government forces and the armed youth groups in the area, after the latter allegedly attacked an army base. Also roads connecting Ezo county was closed by the armed groups by cutting big trees on the roads, laying ambushes on roads, looting and blocking government officials or non-governmental organizations from accessing their area.

A citizen from Ezo, who spoke to Sudan Tribune on anonymity said, soldiers attempted to open the road between Yambio and Ezo, but were blocked by the youth.

Last week, the governor Gbudue, of South Sudan’s newly created states was ambushed in his way back from Tombura. Three of the governor’s bodyguards were wounded.

(ST)