S. Sudan VP visits Nimule to quell fears of violence

December 22, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudanese vice president, James Wani Igga, visited Nimule, a strategic town at Uganda border on weekend to brief locals on security situation following massive exodus from the area.

Igga, flanked by national security minister Isaac Mamuor Mete and high ranking army officers from Eastern Equatoria state, told a gathering in Nimule town that fears of an imminent attack by renegade Martin Kenyi were “false”.

“There is no any organised rebellion in Eastern Equatoria or on Juba – Nimule road as being rumored,” Igga told a public rally held at St. Patrick primary school on Sunday.

Martin Kenyi, who hails from Eastern Equatoria Pageri, disappeared from Juba early this month allegedly with plans to join rebels led by former vice president Riek Machar.

Although Kenyi has not publicly declared any rebellion, the armed opposition led by Machar recently claimed they were part of a recent attack, which occurred on the 192km Juba-Nimule road towards Uganda. Two commercial trucks were destroyed and a driver injured during the attack, which army officials blamed on bandits.

Mamuor, however, said Kenyi would be found even if his whereabouts were unknown.

“I know every corner of Eastern Equatoria state and every hills. It is better for Kenyi to return home or I will go after him,” said Mamuor.

The top government officials argued the people to remain calm and celebrate their Christmas than fleeing to neighbouring Uganda.

Igga and his team also visited Pageri and Mugali payams among others during the tour.

(ST)