Traditional leaders condemn attacks in Upper Nile State

By John Agou Wuoi

May 4, 2010 (JUBA) — Community leaders from Pigi County or Khorfulus have condemned the recent attacks on SPLA soldiers by a group of soldiers allegedly allied to a gubernatorial candidate and a former SPLA deputy chief of staff for Political and Moral Orientation Lt. Gen Athor.

In a statement read on behalf of the community leaders by John Antipas, the leaders described the incident as a “treacherous act of creating divisions in order to undermine the forthcoming referendum on self-determination for the people of Southern Sudan”. Mr. Antipas also strongly condemned the use of force against innocent women and children.

The leaders appealed to the government of National Unity, the government of Southern Sudan and non-governmental organizations to provide aid to those affected by the fighting. “We appeal our governments and non-governmental organizations to provide relief supplies, health services and other donations to the afflicted victims”, he added.

Mr. Antipas said youth were forced to join what he called “immature rebellion” through victimization and intimidation and called on them to return to their home areas. He also called on the government of Southern Sudan and SPLA to protect the civilians, women and children.

The chairman of the Commission for the Rights of Non-Muslims in Khartoum, Mr. John Dau Diu appealed for calm following the attack against SPLA soldiers in which more than 5 soldiers were killed and a dozen others injured.

General Athor insists he did not launch any attacks on SPLA soldiers but instead blamed on it dissatisfied soldiers. He accused the governor-elect of Jonglei State, Kuol Manyang Juuk of rigging the elections.

(ST)