South Sudan is keen to support Jonglei’s security – Salva Kiir
September 24, 2009 (JUBA) — President of Southern Sudan government reiterated today the keenness of his government to support security and stability in Jonglei state.
Last Sunday armed gunmen from the Lou Nuer tribe killed over seventy people including army and police troops during an attack on Duk Padiet locality. The assailants who directed their guns to southern Sudan organized forces, burned down 260 huts, the police station and state buildings.
during a meeting with Jonglei governor Kuol Manyang Juuk on Thursday, Salva Kiir stressed government’s keenness to support the Government of Jonglei to provide security and stability in the restive state.
He further directed the governor to exert more efforts to prevent the recurrence of attacks by armed men on the civilians and the government institutions in Jonglei.
UN Regional coordinator for Southern Sudan David Gressly, who visited Duk Padiet twenty four hour after the attack with South Sudan interior minister and the state governor, said the dynamics of the violence in Jonglei are changing.
“We are concerned there may be elements that are directing their attacks on the institutions of the state. The dynamics are changing,” Gressly said.
Surprised by the significance of the attack, Juba dispatched a battalion of about 700 troops to fill security vacuum in the area.
Following the meeting the governor Manyang told reporters that the security situation is calm stressing that the security forces are in total control of the situation in Duk Padiet.
(ST)