A county commissioner within the SPLM-IO controlled territory of Unity State has confirmed youths from his county attacked neighboring Mapel area in northern Lake State. The attack earlier had been blamed on SPLM-IO forces.
Mayiendit Commissioner George Gatbany Chuol in an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday condemned the youths’ action, saying it was a criminal and not a political attack. He blamed cattle rustlers who operate in the ‘triangle’ of Lakes, Unity and Warrap states.
Chuol dismissed claims by officials in the South Sudanese government who alleged opposition forces were responsible for the deadly attacks on civilians on Monday. The Lakes information minister had said that at least 10 civilians died in the attack and 24 were wounded, while the army spokesman described the attack as an effort to bring the war into Lakes State.
“It is usual common behaviors of both communities which had been there before the recent conflicts. It should not be taken by officials as a blaming game on the other side of our forces,” added the county commissioner.
However, the commissioner blamed the government for the current lawlessness saying such practices were a sign of a failed state under President Salva Kiir’s leadership.
The commissioner said that the anti-government forces were fighting a war for justice rather than a tribal war.
Photo: A Nuer cattle herder in SPLM-IO controlled part of Unity State (International Crisis Group/Jérôme Tubiana)