VP Machar’s office denies claims of weapons in Khartoum residence
April 17, 2012 (JUBA) – The office of the vice president of South Sudan, Riek Machar, has denied Sudan’s claims that weapons were discovered in his house in Khartoum.
South Sudan’s government condemned the action by the Khartoum’s security agents and urged for the release of the arrested people.
Khartoum justified its action, saying the security personnel had discovered a number of weapons and some documents in the house which they said indicated plots against Sudan’s government. The alleged findings were displayed on Sudan TV on Monday and Tuesday.
The office of the Vice President on Tuesday dismissed the allegations.
Machar’s press secretary, James Gatdet Dak, told Sudan Tribune that Khartoum’s claims were “concocted”, saying there were no weapons stored in the house.
He also said the victimised students who stayed in the house did so like any other of the 7,000 South Sudanese students who still live in Sudan.
He added that Khartoum’s recent unjust action, which coincided with clashes on the north-south borders, could be an expression of frustration due to the ongoing conflict between the two countries over the ownership of the oil-rich Heglig area.
Machar, who is currently in Unity State’s capital, Bentiu, has been there for the last 11 days on peace mission to reconcile the three states of Warrap, Unity and Lakes.
(ST)