Authorities in Gogrial state, home to President Kiir, have welcomed the deployment of government troops to contain on and off inter-communal fights between the Aguok and Apuk clans.

Gogrial state information minister, Ariech Mayar Ariech, said on Monday that the first batch of the government forces arrived in the state capital Kuacjok.

“The first batch of SPLA forces arrived in the state capital Kuacjok with the mandate to disarm and counter on going Apuk south and Kuac civilians’ confrontation. The deployment of intervention force comes as a result of the security meeting in Wau between SPLA’s chief of defense forces Gen. James Ajonga and the governor of Gogrial state General Gregory Deng,” said Ariech.

The deployment of government troops is expected to control the security situation in the state. However, Minister Ariech did not disclose the number of forces deployed to the area.

Local legislators and residents said the forces were deployed from the SPLA’s Division 3 based in Aweil East state.