A delegation of 10 senior state governmental officials is being detained by angry youths in Jonglei State over unpaid wages.
The delegation consisting of state ministers, an advisor, and members of state parliament, is led by state roads minister Mawich Makuach. The delegation was on an official mission to the area of Gadiang where they are being detained.
The angry youths in the state say they are demanding cash for services they provide along the Gadiang road, which is currently under construction.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj over the weekend, Duk County Commissioner Peter Latjor Chuol confirmed the detention of the state government officials and said that the senior officials have been in detention since 6 May.
“It is true there are government officials who are now under youth detention. Those youths are from Uror, Akobo, and Nyirol counties who have been providing patrols for safety and security of those constructing the road in Gadiang for the las three months,” Latjor said. “But now these youths are alleging that they were not paid and that is why they said they are detaining those officials. “
He added, “Those youths are 300 from Akobo, 150 from Nyirol, and other 150 from Uror. For Duk youths, they were under different project of road clearance of shrubs for which they were paid. Now, these youth are saying that they are detaining the officials to put pressure on the government to have their wages cleared.”
Commissioner Latjor however said that the national government was handling the matter.
“The issue is not under my responsibility. It has been reported to state and national governments and I think a solution will be found soon. I don’t know the amount being demanded by the youths,” he added.
For her part, Jonglei State’s Minister of Information Elizabeth Nyadak declined to comment on the matter when contacted.
Meanwhile, Gatluak Reath Wuol, a youth leader in Uror County, said he learnt of the detention of government officials but they were unable to engage the disgruntled youths.
“We heard of what happened and there is no proper communication in Gadiang. So, for now, I don’t have clue on how far they have gone,” he said.