Central Equatoria State Governor Clement Wani Konga yesterday has appeared before members of the Council of States to respond to questions about insecurity in Juba and the neighboring areas. Governor Konga blamed cattle herders and Mathiang Anyoor militia for causing insecurity.

Speaking on Wednesday at the council hall, Konga has blamed the deployment of Matiang Anyoor in Juba for negatively affecting the security situation in Central Equatoria State. He was referring to forces recruited from the Bahr al Ghazal region originally as a private force under Paul Malong Awan.

“The behavior of the national army differs from that of Mathiang Anyoor and this causes friction between the locals and the militias and in addition forces deployed out of the city, are not Mathiang Anyoor supporting,” Governor Konga said

He added, “The high command is now pressing the government to declare rebellion in Equatoria because all of them are armed either in the army or civilians that is why I have moved all the Mundari cattle camps out of Juba [area] to avoid confrontation with the army,” he added, referring to members of his own Mundari tribe.

Konga also complained soldiers in the Juba area are not regularly paid and cause friction with the citizens.

The Council of States has adjourned sittings until next week in order for the members to form an ad hoc committee to investigate the report presented by the Central Equatoria governor.

A week ago, the Council of States summoned the two ministers of national security and defense over insecurity in the country. In remarks to the Council, the national security minister also blamed SPLA personnel for causing insecurity.

The Council of States is the upper house of South Sudan's bicameral legislature. 

Photo: Members of the Council of States questioning Governor Konga, 24 June 2015

Related: 

Timeline: Formation of the 'Mathiang Anyoor' in South Sudan (9 March)