Unity State governor warns against tribal leadership in South Sudan
By Bonifacio Taban Kuich
February 4, 2012 (BENTIU) – The governor of Unity State Taban Deng Gai urged the citizens and leaders in South Sudan to not allow tribalism to stop the development of the new nation after a series of ethnic conflicts in recent months.
Lakes, Unity and Warrap State are currently involved in peace talks after a series of raids in recent months.
Last September a group of cattle rustlers attacked Mayiandit County of Unity State killing 46, wounding 13 and stealing 5,000 cows, officials there say.
“We cannot say Dinka come and attack us in Unity State but we will keep saying they are cattle rustlers”, said Deng.
He added that a 29 January attack on Warrap state was in response to the earlier raid. Tiem Doar from Mayiandit County, lost his two wives and six children were killed and his cows were taken from last year attack by Warrap State cattle rustler.
The governor say that Tiem Doar was arrested after his attempt a revenge attack in Warrap State. But he also blamed the government of Warrap State for taking so long to return the stolen cattle.
“I want to tell you clearly that, it is unfair for one side to implemented the law and order while other side does not practice the same thing, Unity state is all time committed to return[ing] back all cattle being stolen by thieves but getting surprise why other states do not”, said Deng.
He seriously calls upon three neighboring states to work hard in order to end cattle rustling by amending and applying the law properly. Deng also warned all those commissioners at the borders of Lake, Unity and Warrap state to do their duties properly.
“From now onward any commissioners whether you are from Lake, Unity and Warrap State found that his community or citizens go to attack another community within the bordering line, he she would be responsible for charges accordingly”, Deng added.
The governor blamed the recent attack on Mayiandit County on the commissioner of Rumbek North County as he did not give warning that armed raiders were heading towards the area.
He added that, “we know that we are in the same government line but it is very important to inform the other side for them to be aware for the visit in the area”.
Deng said that we cannot call a country republic of South Sudan without including other tribes such as the Bari, Murle, Zande, Taposa, Shilluk, Nuer, Dinka and other groups.
Deng said that it is not good to take a sides as a leader, or favouring the area you represent as governors should act in the interest of the whole country not just where you come from.
The governor said that the three States of Warrap, Lake and Unity are going to have a meeting in Rumbek very soon to discuss the cattle rustling that has brought insecurity to the three states.
The governor was speaking at Bentui airport after joining South Sudan’s vice president, Riek Machar Teny, on a two week tour to Ethiopia and Dubai. The aims of their visit are bringing more expertise in the construction for Ramciel, which will become the new national capital of South Sudan when complete.
(ST)