Tonj South commissioner survives assassination attempt

August 4, 2014 (JUBA) – The commissioner of Warrap state’s Tonj South county, William Wol Mayom Bol, claims he was the victim of an assassination attempt on Monday by a police officer from Western Bahr el Ghazal state.

Bol told Sudan Tribune the incident occurred at Kapara boma (district) at about 6pm (local time) while returning from Wau when a police officer opened fire on his car after he stopped at a road block.

He claimed the officer fired more than 20 bullets at his car.

Bol expressed surprise over the officer’s actions, saying he had previously travelled the route before without incident.

“I used to pass through this area before with my commissioner flag raised without any problem,” he said.

It was not immediately clear what sparked the incident, although it’s thought it could be related to a border dispute between Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal.

Bol maintains he was passing through Warrap state territory at the time of the incident.

“I already knew from the former commissioner of Tonj South county that this area is a territory of Warrap state base on [a] 1956 map and even [a] signpost identified the area right from Jebel Tonj near Mapel juncture,” he said.

“I don’t know if Western Bahr el Ghazal state is claiming the area. Why do they incite police to kill me?” he added.

He said he had informed Warrap state’s acting governor, Akech Tong, and Jur River commissioner John Arop of the incident.

Bol said he would not retaliate in response to the attack, calling on the two states to set aside their differences in relation to border issues.

“We are not for borders issues now. Let’s put it aside and we will address these states border issues later,” he said.

“I will tell my people of Tonj to remain claim and follow this case amicably,” he said, while calling for the officer in question to be brought to justice.

(ST)