Jonglei’s Twic leader calls for law enforcement after more deaths
By Philip Thon Aleu
August 10, 2009 (BOR TOWN) — Seven people from the Dinka ethnic group shot dead and five others injured in Twic East County following an attack by armed Lou Nuer fighters on Sunday.
The attacks on Twic which is inhabited by Dinka are different from the violent incidents between the Lou Nuer and Murle ethnic groups, armed Murle youth attacked a group of Lou Nuer civilians on August 2, 2009, killing at least 185 men, women, and children, and seriously wounding scores more.
The increasing violence in the state triggered criticisms over the role of southern Sudan army by local leaders.
“We don’t know who have the power [to direct SPLA deployment],” Commissioner Diing Akol Diing replied over phone when asked to speak about efforts done to quell the escalating violence there.
Commissioner Diing further said SPLA state commander of division 8 and state government have both turned down calls to send law keeping forces citing ‘lack of authority’ over troops deployment.
There is no immediate respond from either the army at Panpandiar, 12 miles on Bor – Juba road, or state authorities over alleged reluctance to control insecurity in Twic East.
A CULTURE OF DENIAL
The raiders, whom Commissioner Diing Akol said are from Uror County, attacked Kir-apir cattle camp in Lith Payam about mid night on Friday killing six people. The “heavily armed” gunmen cut cattle restraining ropes and went away with hundreds. Local youth managed to rescue their animals after fierce clashes where one Twic youth was killed. 68 cattle are also died in crossfire and 80 others are still missing.
There is no confirmation from attackers’ side about casualties.
Uror MPs at the State assembly denied earlier accusation that their people where involved in the raid. Twic leader Ding Akol said “that’s the culture of denial.” Mr. Diing further urged lawmakers to cease interference saying their politics have caused more problems than solutions.
VIOLATION OF PEACE?
Lou Nuer Counties of Ayod, Uror and Nyirol signed a peace accord with Dinka of Greater Bor Counties of Duk and Twic East in May, 2009. The emerging differences are seen as violation of the truce. Village chiefs who attended the peace conference held at John Garang Institute of Science and Technology in Bor Town are also accused of catalyzing violence. Paramount chiefs complained during peace negotiation that Government failed to arrest chiefs who encourage conflicts.
Speaking over phone with the Sudan Tribune from Panyagoor, Mr. Diing Akol said “we (Lou Nuer and Dinka Bor) are one and information is shared.” He said one chief known as Majok; operating in a small territory between Duk and Uror played a significant role in the clashes.
The peace deal spelt out disarmament and compensation of lives lost in three months ending this August. State authorities say time is yet to ripe to conclude that the peace is not implemented.
(ST)