Police and military have deployed in joint patrols through South Sudan’s Western Bahr al Ghazal state capital Wau following a small but turbulent protest yeterday over the country’s worsening economic situation.
State authorities announced Friday that they have put in place strong security measures to counter future public demonstrations, including movement restrictions in key areas such as the main Jou Market.
Yesterday, police fired shots in the air to disperse a demonstration of about 200 people who were planning to march to the state secretariat over rising costs of living. Some of the protesters began throwing rocks and attempting to loot, prompting the police action.
Residents in Wau say there is little traffic today in the densely populated town.
Speaking today, Deputy Wau Mayor Manut Akec said the deployment of military and police will safeguard lives and property.
“There is no problem. Everything is okay,” he said. “People are moving normally. Shops are opening and people who have items to sell are selling and people who want to buy are buying normally. Everything is under control.”
“The security measures have of course been put in place to maintain law and order. This is the purpose. They (joint security forces) are there to provide protection to lives and properties of the population. The security forces are safeguarding lives and to combat crimes on behalf of the government and the people,” Manut said.
He said the issue of rising prices was a national issue and that the Juba government is aware of the problem.
“No state should claim it is affected more than others,” Manut said. “Yes, prices are high but I don’t think demonstration will solve it. It needs dialogue with the business people and the government so that all of us find the solution together.”
Related:
Wau police contain protests over high cost of living (14 May)