The Western Equatoria Minister of Information has confirmed that several soldiers have been detained in Maridi in connection with the killing of two unarmed civilians on Thursday night, adding that the security situation has been controlled.
A shooting on Thursday night in the town caused many residents to flee to outlying areas, out of fear of more violence unfolding between the army and local community.
Charles Barnaba Kisanga, the state minister, emphasized that the incident was not per se a political problem, while acknowledging that the argument that led to the shooting may have been about a political issue.
“The reason [for the fight] was alcohol,” stressed Kisanga, in an interview with Radio Tamazuj.
It was earlier reported that the shooting incident was sparked off by a debate about federalism – the governance system demanded by three governors of Equatoria but opposed by the ruling SPLM/A-Juba faction.
The suspects who were arrested for killing the two citizens in Maridi are “under guard of the National Security,” the minister said. “They will make investigation, so maybe they can be taken to trial.”
He also stated that the suspects were still being held in Maridi itself.
The politician described the situation as under control, pointing out that he himself traveled from Juba to Yambio via Maridi yesterday and had no problem along the way.
Photo: Western Equatoria State
Related:
Maridi commissioner establishes security task force (5 July)
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