Jonglei government deploy security forces to protect civilian

May 22, 2012 (BOR) – The Deputy Governor of Jonglei has confirmed that the state government has deployed security forces throughout the 11 counties, to protect civilians recently disarmed by the South Sudan army (SPLA).

Thousands of people are fleeing the remote areas of the state to seek refuge in the capital, Bor. They fear inter-ethnic violence which was has blighted the state for years, but has seen a recent upsurge.

In March the UN estimated that the current spate of insecurity in the state, predominantly conflict between the Murle and Nuer ethnic groups, has affected 120,000 people since December 2011.

Bor-Dinka chiefs claim that Murle youths have not being completely disarmed and are spreading fear within the remote residential areas.

The Jonglei State disarmament programme began in February, as part of a nationwide push to tackle the problem of a proliferation of small arms in South Sudan. It has received a mixed reception from the state’s citizens, some of whom claim it leads them vulnerable to attack from rival ethnic groups.

The Jonglei State government has promised to provide full protection to those who will return to their homes. This is particularly important as a food shortage is hitting South Sudan. The remote areas contain much of the state’s arable land.

“We have deployed joint forces in all 11 counties of Jonglei state to protect farmers – we have prioritised protection and agriculture in this year – we have two pilot projects for agriculture in Waat and Warkok,” said deputy governor Hussein Maar Nyuot, who served as state minister for information and communication.

Kuol Deim Kuol, the overall South Sudan army (SPLA) commander in charge for disarmament and peace restoration said that “we are everywhere in Jonglei state – our forces are well-equipped militarily and well prepare to respond to any aggression.”

(ST)