Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobgong Lojore has lifted the dusk to dawn curfew in the town of Torit, a local official announced Wednesday.
Last week, the state governor imposed dust to dawn curfew to contain possible insecurity after hundreds of youth marched in the streets of Torit town and picketed outside the compounds of humanitarian organizations, as they issued an ultimatum for NGOs to leave the town with three days.
The group comprising youth from Torit, Ikotos, and Lopit counties of Eastern Equatoria State claim that their concerns over unjust employment have not been resolved since they petitioned the state government in April.
However, the youth revoked the ultimatum after security forces arrested some of their members.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, State Information Minister Patrick Oting Cyprian said the security situation was calm and that night patrols by the organized forces will continue to monitor the situation.
“From today (Wednesday) onwards there will be no curfew. So, people will be moving freely. But I want to tell our people that the organized forces like the police will be on the roads to protect the lives of the people and you will have to take care because it is for the protection of every citizen in Torit,” Oting said.
“Night patrols will continue within Torit so that they monitor the situation, even shops will continue working up to 9-10 pm. So, this is the message we want to send to the people out there,” he added.
The information minister urges party organizers or traditional dancers to seek government permission before organizing any event.
Mr. Emmanuel Oryema, a civil society activist in the state, welcomed the decision to lift the curfew but urged for more efforts to stabilize security in the state.
“It is a good move but they have to ensure there is proper protection for civilians, there is fear because security arrangements are not complete. There are armed robberies, road ambushes and robberies on roads and houses,” he explained.