South Sudan beefs up security after arresting governor
August 17, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese authorities beefed up security in and around the capital, a day after president Salva Kiir removed four elected state governors and arrested one of them, amidst fears of counter reactions and possible outbreak of chaos.
Warrap state governor Nyandeng Malek Deliech was replaced with her deputy, Akec Tong and Upper Nile state governor Simon Kun Puoc was replaced with the SPLA deputy chief of moral orientation, Chol Thon. Central Equatoria State governor was replaced with Ali Juma, a member of parliament representing his county of Terekeka.
Major General Patrick Zamoi was appointed the new Western Equatoria governor, replacing Colonel Joseph Bakosoro, who was detained and prevented from leaving Juba on Friday after attending a consultative leadership meeting on Thursday last week.
Bakosoro was eventually removed on Sunday and security operatives later raided his residence during which they disarmed his guards before taking him into their custody, according to wife and relatives.
Security operatives, the wife explained, entered their residence at around 11:00pm after deploying huge force in armoured vehicles and took away her husband with all his personal belongings, including telephones, personal files as well as one pistol and other personal protective weapons in his possession.
The government operatives took him to unknown place and returned later on Monday, asking his wife to prepare for some clothes for changing, tooth paste, shoe and beddings.
In another development government forces on Monday morning increased security measures, allegedly to avert loss life and properties in the event of negative reactions to changes introduced by the president.
The situation is, however, remained claim after the former Central Equatorial governor told journalists in Juba that he had welcomed the decision relieving him from the office, pledging his commitment to extend helping hand the incoming governor.
(ST)