Sudan’s E. Equatoria MPs request swift action against LRA rebels
By Isaac Vuni
Jan 29, 2009 (TORIT) — Eastern Equatoria MPs discussed today a motion on the increasing insecurity in the region. This move came after vehement attacks by state MPs against government inertia, requesting a swift action vis-à-vis the Ugandan rebels’ attacks.
The state parliament has Monday afternoon, interrupted it normal business to discus an emergency motion on insecurity pose by LRA in Magwi County, raised by MP Paul Okot Bara, of Magwi constituency. As we file this story, the discussion is still going on.
Fr. Dominic Otwari, this morning, said LRA has occupied part of his constituency and are harvesting crops of the indigenous people while the government is doing nothing to push LRA out from southern Sudan territory.
Otwari accused the Governor of Eastern Equatoria state and government of southern Sudan of undermining and making rhetoric statement on LRA killing of innocent people of his constituency and other part of the State.
He claimed that LRA have occupied his constituency since January 20th this year and, that there are more than 150 LRA forces at Lofirika village, 36 miles from Torit town. His allegation was confirmed this afternoon by Fr. Emmanuel Lado, Assistant Parish Priest of Ikwotos and Chaplin of Youth in Diocese of Torit, arrived Torit last night from the affected area. However, the Commissioner of Torit County denied that there are neither LRA nor EDF in Torit County.
Meanwhile Pastor Julious Ajeo Moilinga of Nimule constituency said they (MPs) are deeply disturbed by continues LRA killing of innocent people of Magwi County while the government I remain adamant.
He said the current situation required urgent and immediate action by all sons and daughters of Magwi County wherever they may be, because, he says, “The government is adamant”.
The Pastor Moilinga further told journalists that all MPs from Magwi County will meet today evening to strategize and draft their official statement on LRA incursion and will present it to the Governor of Eastern Equatoria State tomorrow.
UN Major Nodul has confirmed that Ugandan rebels LRA has killed one of their soldier and wounded three while on patrol mission along Torit-Magwi road. The attack took place at Panyikwara area on January 27th 2007.The wounded are flown to Juba Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Earlier the state organized forces have killed two LRA, wounded six and captured one in Panyikwara village.
(ST)