Governor Louis Lobong has visited Pageri Payam in Eastern Equatoria state following unrest in the region that led to displacement of civilians to Uganda.
Pageri lies to the north of the key border town Nimule in Magwi County. Since last week rumors swept the Madi-inhabited area leading to fear of clashes between SPLA-Juba and former commander Martin Kenyi, who was rumored to be reconstituting the Equatoria Defense Force (EDF).
Kenyi’s whereabouts and intentions have not been confirmed. Nonetheless, many civilians have decided to leave the Nimule area and crossed into Uganda.
Two sources in the Nimule area told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the governor visited Pageri on Wednesday and intended to move on to Mugale Payam and Nimule town on Thursday but was instead called to Juba.
One area resident said the purpose of his tour was “to encourage people not to run.”
Another who attended the rally the governor held at Pageri Payam said that the governor denied that Martin Kenyi had defected, calling it a false rumor. The governor reportedly said that the former EDF commander had gone for sick leave in Uganda but presently his whereabouts are unknown.
According to the local source, the governor called on the Madi community to remain calm.
Meanwhile, the border to Uganda has remained open but with some restrictions. There have been several incidents in which people crossing have been asked to pay in order to cross.
“My sister in law and her brother’s wife were charged SSP 800 to cross to Uganda,” said a man whose family on Wednesday left to Adjumani refugee camp. “She said many people who can’t afford to pay were turned back.”
He clarified that security officers at the border demanded a payment of 400 SSP per car, accusing these security personnel of “taking advantage of the situation.”
Related:
Border crossing opened in Nimule, Eastern Equatoria (9 Dec.)
MPs seek to calm situation in Nimule (7 Dec.)
S. Sudanese troops seek to block refugees fleeing Nimule to Uganda (6 Dec.)