W. Bahr el Ghazal dismisses rebel claims of ethnic targeting

November 21, 2014 (WAU) – The Governor of South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal state, Rizik Zackaria Hassan on Friday dismissed the armed opposition claims that his government was targeting the Fertites, an area local tribe over their alleged allegiance to rebellion.

The letter, read before the state council of ministers, was allegedly signed by ex-environment minister-turned rebel, Alfred Ladu Gore.

Officials say the letter, which was addressed to the rebel leader Riek Machar, detailed activities the rebels plan to undertake in the state.

But Governor Hassan, in his response, dismissed the rebel claims as baseless and urged the population not to follow the rebels’ ideology.

“There is nothing so call Dinka politic in South Sudan; we in the current leadership are implementing the mandates of the SPLM ruling party and that we cannot support any senseless war against our own people,” he said.

Meanwhile, the army division five infantry commander, Maj. Gen. David Manyok vowed maximum security to citizens against threats.

“Our forces are always at alert minimum to confront any insecurity attempt by whoever thinks of waging war in Western Bahr el Ghazal state,” Manyok told the council of ministers.

He, however, appealed to lawmakers in the state to help security officials identify those involved in rebel activities in their locations.

“People should not fear the propaganda from rebels,” stressed Manyok.

(ST).