Forcible conscription of South Sudanese farm workers by South Sudanese rebels is likely to jeopardize agricultural activities in Tadamoun Locality in Blue Nile state, local citizens said Tuesday.
Several local citizens from Jirewa West village told Radio Tamazuj that defected troops were present in the area.
A local citizen who preferred anonymity said the opposition fighters were targeting South Sudanese workers in the area, which he said could interrupt this year’s harvest of some crops.
“The rebels have been destabilizing the area by interrupting the agriculture season, especially these days when people are busy with the harvest of sesame,” he said.
He called on the two warring parties in South Sudan and the Sudanese government to put citizens’ interest first, especially those who are living along border areas between the two Sudans.
Radio Tamazuj could not reach opposition fighters in Sudanese territory to comment on the claims.