South Sudan security personnel fire at students of Juba University

June 13, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s national security forces have been accused of firing live bullets at University of Juba students during an election organized by students to nominate the guild president of the University.

A Juba University student identified himself as Deng has told Sudan Tribune over phone interview that a group of national security personnel broke into the University premise and intimidated students before they could fire bullets.

He claimed as the election was ongoing, groups of students allied to the President Salva Kiir’s faction of the transitional government went out and brought some militants from the national security to force students out of the hall and called for electoral committee to remain behind with all casted votes.

Deng further explained that the arrival of the national security at the venue threatened students and those responsible for students’ body leadership election.

He said students were intimidated, calling for their arrest, as they waited for electoral results declaration. Although students insisted to continue with the push of results declaration, he added, the group of the national security personnel started to scare the students through use of live bullets, fired randomly into the air.

Several other sources told Sudan Tribune that there was a disagreement between university students who are supporters of the armed opposition leader, the First Vice President, Riek Machar and those supporting President Salva Kiir.

Puot Kang, a member of Sudan People Liberation Movement armed opposition, and chairman of the armed Youths league, has also confirmed that students were forced out of University of Juba on Monday evening.

He said as students conducted a peaceful election on the top seat of students leader at the University, the group of the national security drove into the venue and surrounded the premises.

Kang said the involvement of the national security in the students’ activities meant violation of South Sudanese transitional constitution for freedom of assembly and expression.

“We need to respect all citizens’ rights in freedom of assembly. It is not acceptable for the national security to interfere with other people’s right of expression,” he said over phone interview with Sudan Tribune.

Kang further explained that the SPLM-IO led by Machar is now the main peace partner in South Sudan’s peace agreement, adding that they have condemned the students’ provocation by the national security forces.

Last week a group of students were arrested at Juba University because of having allegedly supported of the armed opposition groups.

(ST)