Western Equatoria denies governor criticised Dinka leaders

January 20, 2015 (JUBA) – The government of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state has dismissed statements in which governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro is reported to have accused Dinka tribal leaders of having failed the country and creating instability.

However, the state information and communication minister Charles Barnaba Kisanga said Bakosoro never made the comments, describing the claims as a “complete fabrication”.

Kisanga said the government had been surprised when it learnt of the reported statements.

He said the 16 January conference, which was held in order to seek solutions to ongoing insecurity issues between pastoralists and resident farmers in Western Equatoria and neigbouring Lakes state, had apparenty turned into an opportunity to make unfounded allegations aimed at causing confusion and disharmony between the state and political leadership in Juba.

In statements that began circulating following the conclusion of he conference Bakosoro is said to have criticised Dinka leaders.

“Dinka leaders and their community have failed our country, South Sudan. What’s wrong with you people? Wherever you go, problems and havocs follow? You ran from danger in your areas and only to come and cause havoc in our state. You don’t like peaceful coexistence of people. Your leaders need to look themselves in the eye and find out why you are not welcomed by anyone anywhere in South Sudan,” he is quoted as saying.

Kisanga slammed the statements as an attempt to “undermine the Western Equatoria state government and the Governor in our quest for finding a lasting peaceful solution to the issues”.

“The governor never made such a statement. The statement of the governor during the meeting was just on three points,” he added.

The alleged statements have been condemned by members of the Dinka community, who have called for Bakosoro to be removed.

(ST)