Armed assailants on Monday evening attacked the Deputy Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party in Jonglei State, Tuong Majok Deng, in Bor town.
Deng was in the company of a member of the Jonglei State Transitional Legislative Assembly (JSTLA), representing Fangak Constituency Number 2, who was also attacked. The duo were on their way to the Freedom Hotel, close to where Deng resides.
Deng told Radio Tamazuj that the robbery took place roughly 60m from the hotel gate when the assailants, he described as a gang of armed youths, ambushed them from behind.
He said one of the assailants struck his left shoulder with a machete, prompting a resistance before he was overpowered and thrown to the ground. One of the attackers, he went on, pinned him down, while another searched him, ultimately making off with two of his mobile phones and 30,000 South Sudan Pounds (US$7).
Though not badly hurt, Deng expressed concern over the safety of political party officials, citing the lack of mobility and security arrangements for government representatives in the state.
“The lives of constitutional post holders are in danger due to the absence of vehicles and guards,” Deng said.
“Many of us walk to work and are vulnerable to such attacks. The government should enhance security measures or provide resources to prevent these incidents.”
Deng also raised concerns about the presence of a man in a military uniform among the robbers, questioning whether the individual was an actual soldier or if the uniform was illegally obtained.
“One of those who confronted me was in a military uniform,” Deng noted.
“I am unsure if he was a legitimate Army personnel or if the uniform was acquired through other means. This situation is overwhelming.”
The incident underlines broader issues of security and resource allocation in Jonglei State. Local authorities were yet to comment on the robbery or the broader implications for the security of public officials in Jonglei.