Juba residents have expressed varied opinions on the security during Christmas and New Year celebrations, with some praising the government for ensuring peaceful festivities.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Wednesday, Martin Lotoro, a resident of Dar Salam suburb, noted an improvement in security, highlighting the absence of gunshots and peaceful celebrations compared to previous years.
“In terms of security, this year’s celebration is better than last year. There were no gunshots, and people celebrated peacefully,” Lotoro remarked. He also observed the absence of previous issues like fighting and the presence of certain groups.
Lotoro commended the government for maintaining security and preventing incidents involving groups like Niggas and Toronto in Juba. Another resident, Emmanuel Lado from Gumbo Sherikat, echoed the positive sentiment, noting the peaceful atmosphere in an area that previously faced issues with Niggas.
“What’s important in my area this year is that there was no roaming of Niggas and no fighting. Additionally, there were no gunshots this year,” Lado emphasized, expressing appreciation for the improved security situation during the festive season.
Ben Misuk Samuel, a resident from Munuki, offered a contrasting perspective on the security situation in his area. Despite heavy security deployment in Juba, he reported cases of theft and the presence of some elements related to the gang group. Samuel mentioned injuries sustained by several young boys in Munuki, without specifying the cause.
“In some areas in Juba, there was no security at all due to numerous theft cases. I believe the security was not optimal this year, but the government has tried its best,” said Samuel. He highlighted complaints about theft and injuries, particularly in the Munuki Suk Libya area, where he alleged that eighteen boys were currently hospitalized.
According to Samuel, this year’s security situation falls short of the best standards. However, in Gondokoro, some residents expressed distress over alleged harassment by security personnel deployed for a disarmament exercise in the area.
Kandido Juan, a resident of Gondokoro, Boma of Juba County, claimed that they were unable to celebrate Christmas and New Year due to security forces conducting a search operation from December 24, 2023, to the new year. Juan asserted that the security forces resorted to violence, resulting in beatings and imprisonment of young boys aged 18.
Juan highlighted a challenging situation in Gondokoro, prompting many residents to seek refuge in Juba to escape unfavourable circumstances. She called on the government to intervene and secure the release of detained underage boys, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
“On December 24, 2023, we refrained from prayers due to fear caused by a significant military presence. On January 1, 2024, the government deployed what she described as the ‘worst soldiers,’ preventing them from attending prayers,” Juan expressed. She accused security personnel of harassment, beatings, and looting during their search operation.
According to Juan, the security forces targeted specific individuals, leading to the arrest of both the elderly and young children under the age of 16, as well as women. She lamented the unfavourable conditions during Christmas and New Year celebrations, prompting a significant population to move to Juba for safety.
Juan stressed the urgency for attention from the government and concerned authorities to address the allegations of violence in Gondokoro, ensuring the rights and safety of the affected individuals.
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