The leaders of Detima I displaced peoples camp in Melut County of Upper Nile State have rejected their sacking from office by the Pigi County commissioner.
Dentima I Camp is home to thousands of people who fled fighting in Jonglei’s Pigi County after the outbreak of war in December 2013.
Last week, Pigi County Commissioner Nyok Malual, issued an order dismissing from their positions camp leader Paul Dak Kachuol and his deputy, Arop Kuol, over alleged poor leadership and embezzlement.
Arop Kuol told Radio Tamazuj Friday that they rejected the commissioner’s order because it holds no basis.
“The commissioner sacked us based on hearsays that we sell relief food and that there is poor leadership and a row with traditional chiefs,” Kuol explained. “The commissioner should have investigated these claims. So, we rejected the dismissal.”
He said they will remain leaders until new elections are held, saying the commissioner has no jurisdiction in the camp which is in Upper Nile State.
For his part, Nyok Malual, the Pigi County commissioner, said he acted after his intervention was sought as a row intensified between the camp leaders and traditional chiefs.
“I intervened to resolve the tension that has been ongoing for months now among my people,” Commissioner Malual said. “The camp leaders however refused to relinquish their positions. So, in the coming weeks, I will send a committee headed by the executive director to go there and resolve the issue.”
Meanwhile, Melut Payam administrator Deng Awer Anei, said, “Yesterday a meeting was held with the representatives of all the sides in the camp. It was agreed that the current leadership should continue its work until when the elections are held.”