Jonglei: Akobo county commissioner denies youth mobilising for raid

November 6, 2013 (JUBA) – Akobo county commissioner Kuang Rambang has dismissed reports that Lou Nuer youth are mobilising for a possible raid on neighbouring areas as “contrary” to the facts on the ground.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune by phone from Akobo on Wednesday, Rambang accused the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) – whose information analyst broke the story on social media site Twitter on Tuesday – of unfairness.

The UN analyst tweeted “#breaking Lou Nuer youth are mobilizing in big numbers leaving #Akobo town heading towards Dengjok #SouthSudan.”

However, when later asked about the allegations, Rambang said he had no information to support the reports.

“On the contrary, we are hearing reports that the Murle are moving toward [Lou Nuer] areas of Akobo and Uror”, he said.

“The UN needs to verify and tell us which Lou Nuer have mobilised to attack,” he added.

Rambang claims that suspected armed Murle raiders stole 200 cows in Walgak, as well as more than 70 scows in Buma.

“In the past weeks, we [have] experienced raiding […] and there is not any[one from the] UN which had talked about that, not even condemning nor inquiring about it,” he said.

Lou Nuer youth conducted attacks on Pibor county villages, inhabited by the Murle tribe in June, claiming they were carried out in revenge for previous raids.

Efforts by authorities to reach Pibor county failed after telephone calls to the area went unanswered.

(ST)