New Wau governor calls for support to calm down tension
June 26, 2016 (JUBA) – The newly appointed Governor of Wau state – one of the 28 states which came into existence as a result of a controversial presidential establishment order expanding the number of states from the constitutionally recognized 10 states – has welcomed his appointment as the top local official and called for support from multiple sectors and groups to help calm down security situation in the town.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sudan Tribune on Sunday, governor Achor said he has welcomed his appointment but added that he hoped to work in collaboration with all different groups in the area.
“Yes, I have been appointed as the new governor but I would like to underline that my appointment would not be the end of everything. All the issues will be addressed through teamwork and support. The people of Wau need peace. They need security to coexist and live in harmony as before. This will not be a work of one person. I will not do it alone as the governor,” Governor Achor told Sudan Tribune on Sunday.
“The commander of our SPLA forces in the area and also the head of our security forces or the police commissioner will not do it alone. It is the work which requires collaboration and support. Security is the responsibility of everybody and this is the message I would like the media to send out as my message,” he continued.
The new governor, who is yet to take oath of office following his appointment over the weekend after his predecessor was abruptly removed from the office in less than a year of his appointment by a republican order, said tension has reduced and the security situation was improving from Saturday evening.
“There is improvement in the security situation at the moment. Life is returning to normal. People are moving and our security forces have taken control of the situation and they are monitoring it closely. I have not yet taken the office but I am happy with the way the security situation is changing. There is a great improvement from yesterday (Saturday) and it is going to improve more than this,” he added.
He avoided commenting on the number of casualty figures and the number of people who have fled their homes to seek refuge, either in religious places like in churches or mosques and in the camp of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), saying a committee would be formed to carry out assessment.
Several residents said shops in the main market and in residential areas have been ransacked during the fighting.
Eyewitnesses say an estimate of up to 4,000 people, mainly children and women as well as elderly are seeking protection at the camp of the United Nations. They need water, shelter and foods.
(ST)