Lakes: Authorities destroy beers in Yirol West without giving compensation
May 15, 2013 (JUBA) – Civilians in Yirol West county of Lakes state had reported that local authorities have destroyed beers inside the market without compensating shops owners.
The public beer destruction was done in Yirol West County freedom square as instruction from county commissioner, Colonel Majak Ruei, who was imposing the orders of Lakes state’s military caretaker governor Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol.
Moses Hjerhok, a businessman in Yirol West market told Sudan Tribune by telephone that all the beers in his shops were destroyed after his shop was searched by a security agent in collaboration with state police. The public witnessed the beers being destroyed.
“Security came to my shop, they collected all beers that I use to sell out – the destroyed all beers and I get no compensation – this is very surprise to me – this government gave me permit to do trading of beers and the same government is destroying my business without notification”, said Hjerhok.
He asked how he would be able to feed his family now the government had destroyed his stock. “People are being harassed by security agents”, he said, adding that the government was “becoming unacceptable”.
In April, governor Dhuol, reshuffled his cabinet, county commissioners and advisors for the first time since he replaced Chol Tong Mayay in January.
In March, Lakes state’s security services carried out an intensive search for alcohol in Rumbek Central market just days after the military caretaker governor banned the sale of alcohol in the state.
Dhuol also instructed members of the security forces to arrest on sight anyone found drinking, either in town or in the cattle camps. Several women’s groups, mainly comprising those who lost their husbands during the long civil war with Sudan, have protested against the governor’s decision to ban their alcohol brewing businesses in the state as it was their main livelihood.
Since January, Lakes state government has introduced harsh security reforms to try and stop cattle raiding related violence, resulting in many young men being held at military prisons located in Langcok, Pulkuc and Ajakangau (Ngatinka) without access to legal representation.
Some of the men who have been released or have escaped from the prisons have alleged they were tortured and badly treated.
Activists criticise president Salva Kiir Mayardit for having undermined South Sudan transitional constitution, which empowered president to remove an elected governor and appoint a caretaker. However, in this scenario a new gubernatorial election should be held within 60 days.
As governor Dhuol assumed power on January 21, an elections should have been held by March 21 but no promise of fresh elections has being made by president or election commission.
(ST)