Fighting in Warrap state comes to halt after security intervention
May 27, 2015 (RUMBEK) – Warrap state authorities said calm has returned to greater Gogrial counties following two weeks of inter-clan fighting between two Dinka rival groups which left 18 people dead.
However, Warrap state’s deputy governor, Akec Tong Aleu, said people were now going about their normal business after organized forces had deployed to quell the tension. He assured the opposing communities of Apuk and Aguok sections that those responsible for the clashes will face justice.
The state official said the fighting had been successfully halted and that the case had been referred to court to try the perpetrators.
“I want to assure people of Warrap state that these people have calmed and they accepted what we told them. They accepted the peace and they are waiting now for the trial,” Aleu assured.
He said both sides of the conflict wanted justice to be served by sentencing those who instigated the violence in the once stable state.
Agany Agany, an eyewitness, however described the conflict between Apuk and Aguok clans as a setback for stability of the two communities, adding that for the conflict to stop there was urgent need to impose justice in a fair manner without favouritism.
“Justice is most [likely] solution to this conflict of Apuk and Aguok communities. We need correct justice and justice should be done in a transparent manner,” he said.
He also blamed the situation on proliferation of weapons in Warrap state, noting that clashes were always encouraged by prevalence of weapons in the hands of civil populations. He called on the government to disarm the civil population in the area.
Residents of the two counties, Gogrial West and Gogrial East are also complaining of lack of food in the area with officials calling for relief assistance.
The deputy governor said severe hunger had hit greater Gogrial counties and called on humanitarian organizations and people of good will to offer food assistance to the two counties, saying the hunger situation was “serious.”
“You know that there is this coconut. Now they are eating coconut all over. There is no food,” he said.
He further added that the population was mainly depending on wild fruits for food, also blaming the rival communities for looting their items.
(ST)