The governor of Bieh state, one of South Sudan’s newly created states, has said the general security situation is stable in the area, dispelling claims of continuing fighting with opposition fighters on various fronts.
The new state, which lies on the Lou Nuer territory, was captured by government troops from opposition forces earlier this year, sparking fierce clashes that displaced thousands of civilians since February.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Governor Majok Gatluak Thoah described the general security situation as "completely stable “in Bieh state.
“Citizens are moving freely and we talk to our people. We talk to them about the national dialogue and the importance of peace. Hopefully the situation will continue like that because most of the senior SPLA-IO officers in the area have joined the government,” he said.
“Many generals have joined the government. I am now in Juba together with General Malei Nyang and General Jong Ruot Tuong and other senior officers, so they are now in Juba together with me,” he added.
Separately, Governor Majok has issued an alert over a cholera outbreak in the state, saying many cases have been clinically confirmed in Pieri and Yuai areas. The aid groups set up a primary healthcare clinic in Pieri where patients are receiving treatment, according to the state official.
The governor expressed concern that the infectious disease that has already killed people could spread to other areas in the state.
“I don’t know the number of people who are suffering from cholera until now because they are living in villages, so we have not yet assessed the situation,” said Majok.
Cholera is caused by a bacterial infection of the intestines and, in severe cases, is characterized by diarrhoea, vomiting and leg cramps, according to the CDC. In such cases, rapid loss of body fluids can lead to dehydration and shock.