South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The residents of Gondokoro Payam of Juba County in Central Equatoria state have blamed the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) for cruel treatment during disarmament exercise on New Year eve.
Juma Wani Morgan, the Head Chief of Gondokoro payam told the Dawn on Tuesday that the security forces deployed on 31 December 2023 were aggressive, adding that the security forces have displaced people from their villages.
“We are marginalized, the security forces undertaking disarmament exercise have become problem, they beat children and women, youth and chiefs, we have 19 people missing including four chiefs,” said Morgan.
“It is not disarmament, I slept in the bush, the whole village is displaced, the big population is in the highland, I want the government to release the detained people, let people return to their houses, we want the commander to be changed,” he added.
Morgan revealed that four chiefs have been detained by the military.
Those in detention include Martin Lado, John Lado Andrea, Patrick Nyombe and Emmanuel Wani.
“The area is deserted, my house is now empty, our security forces do not respect the community it is responsible for, they come to beat people instead of disarmament, some people are in the bush, others are in hospitals, many have been displaced now to Juba Nabari,” said Morgan.
Lt.Gen James Thoi Chany, the Deputy Chief of Defense for SSPDF when contacted for comment said that he directed all media to seek comment from Charles Joseph Wani, the Juba Cunty Commissioner on matters arising in Kondokoro.
Charles Joseph Wani, the Commissioner of Juba County condemned the harassment of civilians by security forces in Kondokoro payam, adding that the security forces have violated the government policy of disarmament.
“For what happened in Bari village especially in Gondokoro, I condemn it in strongest term possible because the one who is assigned has failed the policy of the government, I requested the President and the governor to thoroughly investigate the area commander,” said Wani.
“The assignment is clear, take the gun do not beat, do not rape, do not take properties but they take the law into their hands, I request the president and all leaders to let the people captured and detained be release to go and celebrate with their relatives,” he added.
Nelson Swaka, the Representative of youth of Gondokoro Payam said the security forces targeted children and elderly.
He added that he himself was detained by the security forces and later released after paying a fine of 50,000 South Sudanese Pounds.
“On 31 December 2023 forces from SSPDF come, they need guns, they start with beatings, they detained people they target children, youth and elders, we were taken to Murkuku,” said Swaka.
“They have displaced people, many have run to the bush, other run to Juba, people left their farm, they left their houses and other belongings, we call the government under President Salva Kiir Mayardit to rescue the civil population,” he added.
