The governor of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State, Juma Ali Malou, has condemned attacks in Wonduruba Payam, which he said have been occurring since Saturday morning until Wednesday.

“We condemn the barbaric acts committed by them in the area. It has affected our people, so after the peace has come, criminals who call themselves rebels have emerged, and they are not part of Riek,” he said, referring to SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar.

In a press statement, Malou said the incident resulted in displacement of more than 7,000 local residents into Lainya, Ganji and Kuerijik Bungu areas.

The state official said that the attacks in the area were carried out by criminals who are hiding among citizens and that they are not loyal to SPLA-IO leader Riek Machar.

The governor further said he held a consultative meeting with members of his cabinet on how to support citizens and the SPLA in Wonduruba Payam.

Malou noted that a committee to investigate the incident in the area was formed on 14 September. He added the committee comprises of religious leaders, government officials and members of SPLA leadership as well as National Security Service. 

Related: 

Ruling party MP accuses SPLA of terrorizing citizens in Wonduruba (17 Sept.)