The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) in northeastern Jonglei State – now referred to by the rebels as ‘Bieh State’ – is urging people displaced by tribal fighting with the Murle several years ago to return to their villages and cultivate during this rainy season.
Speaking at a rally, Commissioner of Akobo East County Tut Chot Rial emphasized that there is total peace between the Lou Nuer and the Murle communities for the last year and a half.
He added that there is no need for people to overcrowd in urban areas while there is peace around their respective areas. He said that food security is the responsibility of every citizen and urged the citizens not to depend on food aid from humanitarian organizations.
He ordered all chiefs and traditional leaders to relocate all their offices to their respective areas and said that chiefs and traditional leaders will not be allowed to carry out their duties outside their villages effective from 28 April 2015.
“Any chief or headman found carrying or duties like court cases or anything in relation to his duties will face arrest or lost legitimacy,” he said.
Tut stressed that there is no more security threat in the area and he warned all against carrying unregistered guns, reminding youths to maintain the Memorandum of Understanding agreed by the communities two years back before the current war to coexist and live in harmony with the Murle.