Probe of Maban murders ordered after aid groups pull out

The Maban County commissioner yesterday ordered a committee to investigate murders following last week’s clashes between the so-called Maban Defence Force (MDF) and army defectors in Upper Nile, South Sudan.

The Maban County commissioner yesterday ordered a committee to investigate murders following last week’s clashes between the so-called Maban Defence Force (MDF) and army defectors in Upper Nile, South Sudan.

At least six aid workers suspected of being Nuer were executed during the chaos, forcing humanitarian agencies to pull out hundreds of staff. The agencies said Monday they would suspend distribution of relief items until the perpetrators were arrested.

County Commissioner Tumato Nau told Radio Tamazuj Tuesday that he formed the committee of investigation. He said he appointed the governor’s security adviser John Ivo Mounto and State Minister of Labour and Public Service Ahmed Goc to the group.

Tumato said Maban is calm and that the SPLA commander in the area has travelled to Juba to discuss security with the national leadership.

“I briefed the refugees on the security situation. I also call on aid workers to return back to Maban because the life has return to normal, even citizens from the Nuer are now wandering freely at the market,” he said.

Government to deploy MDF

Tumato said the MDF will be deployed outside the County according to a previous agreement with the government.

“The White Army was supposed to station outside the County, but I think it defied the orders given by the SPLA commander in the area,” he said.

Tumato, who is also the head of the county security committee, said he will convene a meeting with the MDF regarding its redeployment.

“I don’t know their view on their redeployment, but when I meet them tomorrow I would be able to know more from their leader,” he said.

File photo: The market in Bunj, Maban

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