MP accuses SSPDF soldiers of killing local chief in Nyori

Two Members of Parliament have accused the SSPDF soldiers of causing insecurity in their constituencies despite being entrusted with security.

Yei MP, Peter Lomude Francis, tabled a complaint before the House last week Wednesday alleging that there is persistent insecurity and violations of the agreement in Yei County despite the cessation of hostility signed by parties to the agreement.

Mr Lomude lamented that the continued attacks and occupation of civilian institutions such as schools are preventing children from learning in some parts of his area.

“Three weeks ago, in a Boma called Lobongameri in Mogo Payam, there were several attacks in one of the villages despite the appeal by the president. Several people have crossed to DR Congo and Uganda,” Lomude told the Parliament.

He said he reported the occupation of one of the primary schools in Otogo Payam but no action had been taken despite the demand by the agreement that civilian centres like churches be vacated within 45 days.

He also reported that a group of SSDF soldiers followed a young boy to UN Protection of Civilian’s Camp demanding SSP200 from him to purchase salt.

Lomude said when the young boy he identified as Sam Agele refused to give the soldiers the money; the soldiers robbed him of his phone and shot him on his leg. Lomude said one of the chiefs was caught up in the gun drama and was shot to death by the soldiers who were spraying bullets.

Another lawmaker representing Pageri Payam to the Reconstituted Transitional Legislative Assembly also reported to the house on Monday that some SSPDF soldiers deployed along Nimule-Juba to patrol the highway went on rampage arresting civilians and looting their money.

Julius Moilinga condemned the act and urged the forces to cease the act pointing out that such an act will give room for the rebels to say the same soldiers of the government who claim to protect citizens are the ones killing them.

He said the soldiers were arrested and are awaiting trial in a martial court which he said was a good move taken by the military commander in the area, noting that it will teach lesion to those soldiers.

Civilians in Pageri Payam flee the area during the war of 2016 that broke out in Juba between the government forces SSPDF and SPLA-IO. The civilians have started returning voluntarily after the signing of the 2018 peace accord that has improved security in some parts of South Sudan.

Moilinga stressed that intimidation of civilians who came back from the refugee camps to rebuild their homes will create fear that there is no peace in the country, and that will demoralize those waiting for repatriation.

When contacted for a comment by the City Review, Lul Rai Kong, the Spokesperson of SSPDF said his office was not aware of the allegations but promised to alert the SSPDF chief of staff about it.