Rumbek Christmas celebration aborted over alleged security threat
By Manyang Mayom
December 26, 2009 (RUMBEK) – Lakes state police aborted the Christmas celebration in Rumbek Freedom Square, apparently over a security incident. According to security sources who spoke to Sudan Tribune, there was an armed man present who may have been attempting a revenge killing.
A security man said that “a cattle keeper tried to seize a pistol from the hand of a state security personnel who was monitoring the event, however the security man defended his pistol and tried to capture him. Therefore, immediately the pastoralist ran away and that caused a more troubled situation”.
Apparently this incident sparked further disruption of the event. Police reportedly beat a number of people without reason and thousands of children and women ran away at Rumbek Freedom Square fearing to be beaten by state police. “This police lack proper behavior and they are not well trained,” said a student on the run. “Our Lakes state police are not friendly to the public and our state police have misbehaved toward the public”.
In a Christmas address to Lakes state community, Governor Daniel Awet Akot had appealed to the people and those of neighboring states to remain clam. He voiced appreciation for Lakes state youth despite deaths caused by local tribal and inter-clan disputes. Specifically he singled out the Gelweng youth, who are cattle guards, and termed them to be his best friends.
Some received his speech negatively. Mading Ater, a student, said “How can Governor Daniel Awet appreciate Gelweng youth while disarmament is incomplete across Lakes state — people are killed through gunfights and cattle are looted by armed Nuer natives – people are ambushed on roadsides across Lakes state and only by the mercy of God can one escape deathly ambush”.
POLITICAL STIRRINGS
As the December 31 deadline for final submission of applications for running in the April 2010 elections comes to an end in the state SPLM secretariat office, local politicians of Lakes state interrupted their politicking to attend church service.
“Is today the Christmas day?” asked one top government official of Lakes state cabinet when he saw children and church leaders marching in Rumbek streets on the evening of December 24, 2009.
Politicians are preparing to challenge the governor and parliamentarians for their seats, as well as for those in the Government of National Unity (GONU) and Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) parliaments.
Gordon Maper Manyiel, the Chairman of SPLM caucus in Lakes state parliament is seeking the governorship. Awan Guol Rian, ex-deputy governor is also hunting for the governorship. Nok Marial Buot, current deputy governor and a minister of local government is contesting it as well. Apollo Madong Chol, the political advisor for the present governor, is contesting for a geographic constituency in parliament. However, minister of Physical Infrastructure Engineer Chol Tong Mayay and Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources are not yet clear on what decision they might take in this coming election. Former Minister of Information and Communication Adak Costa Mapuor is contesting for the women’s list seat in state parliament.
(ST)
Mr Famous Big_Logic_Boy
Rumbek Christmas celebration aborted over alleged security threat
That what you like when I talk of poor management of security in South by GOSS yet people call me tribalist person, now don’t regret the bitter. The word “Sanitation” seem very far from you the people of Lake state, plastic bottle are floading everywhere like the freedom square is a dumping zone.
Dinka Boy
Rumbek Christmas celebration aborted over alleged security threat
Thes police personnels need to be posted some distance away from congregations and not very close to the church so that they can see those who can wish this immoral act/attack of innocents.