The former governor of Central Equatoria State Clement Wani Konga has spoken out about alleged abuses against the people of the state, warning that it could lead to divisions.
Wani, who was removed from his post earlier this month by President Salva Kiir, criticized land grabbers, cattle keepers, and the national government, while also decrying violence in the state.
Speaking alongside new caretaker governor Juma Ali Malou, Wani said if land grabbing is not stopped than there is no need for the capital to be in Juba or for people to stay together.
Konga also spoke out against cattle keepers from outside Equatoria who trample crops without paying compensation to agriculturalists.
“You cannot silence somebody if the cattle come and destroy his crops. I am a cattle owner since I was a young boy – if cattle enter farm of somebody an assessment is carried out and locally the men is paid back his property being it with goat or cow. Why is it now that when a cow come and destroy a farm of somebody compensation is not made?” he said.
Wani said people are being killed along the road to Juba and that there is an increasing flow of locals to the rebel side. He accused supporters of Alfred Ladu Gore, Wani’s rival in 2010 elections, of recruiting them.
The former governor also complained that the national government denied the Central Equatoria state government access to hard currency, forcing his administration to get dollars from the black market.
He said the state government needs millions of dollars from the Central Bank.
Wani urged the cabinet to support the caretaker governor, cautioning of a power struggle in case there is need for changes. He asked the caretaker governor to embark on development as a way to defeat upsurge of conflicts in South Sudan.
For his part, caretaker governor Ali said he appreciated Wani’s role in developing the State in terms of agriculture, communication, security and laying the foundation for a strong state.
Ali called on Wani and the cabinet to cooperate to achieve a better state and country.