David Lokonga Moses, Governor of the controversially created Yei River State in Central Equatoria region has asked for an urgent military deployment to the area as a measure counter recruitment drive by politicians from the area allied to armed faction under Riek Machar.
Governor Lokonga said this rebel activities started in November, 2015, immediately after the advance team of the SPLA-IO arrived in Juba.
‘The rebels intensified their operations and ambushes along the roads leading to Yei town became frequent’.
“There are also some reports that some notable persons are mobilizing and recruiting young men in Kampala, Arua, Koboko, Moyo, and in the refugee camps in Yumbe”, said Goveror Lokonga.
“Series of meetings which I want your security network to help in this context are taking place. I would also urge that both our security apparatus work together to strengthen information gathering”, Lokonga said in his introduction letter seen by Radio Tamazuj to the Minister of National Security office of President.
The Governor also sent names of ex-officials with their telephone numbers to the national security in Juba including his former deputy Abraham Wani Yoane to be apprehended. He says “the results of his meetings could destabilize our borders which I am afraid is the case with the influx of refugees running from phone propaganda”.
“Reference to my letter number no RSS/YRS/SGS/GO/41.A1 dated 29th September, 2016, find here below, the names of the persons suspected to be conducting series of meetings in West Nile Uganda intended to recruit young men to join the rebellion in Yei River state.
He listed Juma David Augustine, former commissioner of Yei and minister of Finance, Alikaya Aligo, former undersecretary of National ministry of Lands and Physical planning. Clement Janda, member of Council of states, David Alemi Poru, Member of Parliament and Moses Idoru Nyama, former chairman of employees Justice Chamber of defunct Central Equatoria state”, Governor stated in his letter.
Lokonga further said he said mobilization of young men to join the rebellion rose and this mobilization is done and encouraged by our politicians who have failed to advance on the opportunities granted to them in the context of either securing top military positions or ministerial portfolios although most are members of parliament.
Meanwhile last week, A top U.N. official said that South Sudan “could evolve into a genocide,” if steps are not taken in the country that include promoting reconciliation and engaging in both local and national dialogue. Government troops carried out a massacre of at least 11 villagers in Central Equatoria State within a week of an earlier killing of 10 civilians in the same state, according to a survivor and a relative of one of the victims.