S. Sudan official warns over threats to expel Equatorians

July 6, 2017 (JUBA) – An adviser to South Sudan government has warned of punitive actions against those who issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Equatorian citizens working and living in Jonglei state.

“Jonglei is part of the Republic of South Sudan and any citizen has a right to live and work anywhere within the territory of South Sudan. And those who issued such statements undermined the constitution, the freedom of movement and residence, which is unacceptable,” the presidential aide on decentralization and intergovernmental linkage, Tor Deng Mawien said Thursday.

“Those who needs to explain the cause of their actions, otherwise the government would deal with them”, he added.

Mawien also commended Jonglei state authorities for distancing themselves from the letter, saying the country was now championing reconciliation instead of polarization through hate statement.

The official was reacting to a statement in which the Bor Community Youth Association issued an ultimatum for natives of Equatoria region in the state to leave, amid claims that several Dinkas were being killed along roads in Equatoria region, loss of jobs and that non-governmental entities allegedly hosted rebels from Equatoria region.

The police on Tuesday arrested 14 youth in Jonglei state after Bor youth called for evacuation of people of Equatoria who work with United Nations agencies and non-governmental entities in response to alleged killing Dinkas living in Equatoria region.

The youth, in the letter, said they want Equatorians working in their area to leave within 72 hours or face consequences in revenge for alleged death of members of the Dinka community killed on Juba-Yei, Juba- Bor and Juba-Nimule roads.

Jonglei state officials, however, distanced themselves from the youth’s letter.

(ST)