S. Sudan opposition group deplores killing of paramount chief

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

August 26, 2014 (ADDIS ABABA) – A little known South Sudanese opposition group calling itself the Collo Resistance Front (CRF) has condemned the assassination of paramount chief Agieth Okambo, of the Kaka area in Upper Nile state.

According to a statement extended to Sudan Tribune by the group’s second in command, Gwado Ador, Okambo was killed on Saturday by unknown individuals.

No-one has claimed responsibility for Okambo’s death, but the group has pointed the finger at the South Sudanese government led by president Salva Kiir.

“A group of mercenaries and war-mongers roaming about to plunder in Collo land on the account of [a] paymaster in Juba was suspected to be behind this horrendous crime,” Ador said in the statement on Tuesday.

Citing reliable sources in the area, the group said that chief had been accused by unnamed local militia allied to Juba of collaborating with opposition forces in the area.

“We have sources further indicating the militia command lost no opportunity to arrest and savagely beat Okambo to death,” said Ador.

It has urged the concerned authorities to trace and bring the culprits to justice.

Ador said CRF is “outraged” by the circumstances of Okambo’s death, describing it as a “criminal act” and vowing to bring those responsible to account.

CRF is also calling for an urgent investigation into the killing of Okambo, who the group said had dedicated his life to serving justice in Collo land.

The late chief was considered to be one of the few figures that had managed to shape affairs in the contemporary Collo kingdom.

(ST)