Twic East chiefs blame gov. for insecurity and price rises
January 7, 2012 (PANYAGOR) – The paramount chief of Twic East County in Jonglei state has blamed the deteriorating security and low food production in South Sudan on local authorities.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Twic East County commissioner, attended by all chiefs in the county at Panyagor, Ajak said most of local leaders will give-up the position in the next round of traditional polls.
He blamed the government for not protecting civilians. In the last two weeks hundreds are reported to have been killed and up to 100,000 displaced in Jonglei’s Pibor County.
Prices of goods are also increasing rapidly, he said, saying the government should do more to stop inflation.
“The government is not serious”, he said.
Jonglei state is home to pastoralist communities that often engage in cattle rustling leading to deaths of civilians.
In 2011, over 1,000 people died in counter-attack raids in Pibor county alone, according to UN figures.
The latest vendettas involved Lou Nuer and Murle leading to death of over 3,000 people according to Pibor authorities but this has not been independently verified.
In early December last year, over fifty people were killed in Jalle when Murle raiders allegedly attacked the village in Bor county.
In Twic East county, like other areas in Jonglei state, security is uncertain and there is a constant fear of attack. Local chiefs blame Murle tribesmen for a series of raids and child abductions.
The chief also said the government should provide them funds to allow them to carry out their duties.
“There are judges for customary issues in all towns and we have nothing to
support ourselves and manage our offices,” said Awaai Ajang, the head chief
of Wernyol Payam (district).
Awaai jokes that someone who works as a cleaner at government office is better paid than the chief who manages the area.
“Stand behind the commissioner”
In the ceremony, the state adivsor for youth affairs and development to
the governor, Deng Alier, urged Twic East communities to “stand behind
the commissioner” for his second term in the office.
Alier’s message has been interpreted as an attempt to unify the communities of Twic East who nominated people from their own groups. However, the Jonglei governor decided to reappointed incumbent commissioner, Dau Akoy, for a second term.
Dau, who was appointed for the first time after the general elections in April 2010, pledged to improve the road network in the area, as requested by the chiefs.
(ST)