The member of parliament representing Maban County in South Sudan’s National Legislative Assembly on Monday told journalists that the Maban Defence Force or MDF militia is a legal armed unit.
The lawmakers’ remarks contradict claims by the new Maban Commissioner in an interview with Radio Tamazuj in mid-August, when he said that the militia would be disarmed.
This comes after the Mabanese militia allegedly carried out searches for members of the Nuer ethnic group in the county and shot dead six Nuer aid workers in early August, forcing aid agencies to partially evacuate the county.
As quoted by the Catholic Radio Network, MP David Unyo Demey Kwara said it is normal that local communities in a lawlessness situation organize themselves to defend lives and property instead of the national army.
He argued that the militia it is only designed for protection not fighting war or rebellion. He said the defense unit at the community level has become necessary.
The lawmaker declined to disclose the command of the militia, CRN reported.
File photo: SPLA in Maban County
Related:
At least 6 racial killings in Maban County (5 Aug.)