By Bida Elly David
Lo’bonok community of Central Equatoria state has called for evacuation of SSPDF soldiers from the area following an attack of the head chief, Matayo Kenyi, which has left him hospitalized.
The paramount chief was on August 29, 2023, shot and wounded by a suspected SSPDF soldier.
The community condemned the brutal act and demanded for immediate arrest of the perpetrator and other suspects for investigation.
“We the community of Lo’bonok Payam recommends total removal of SSPDF forces and the national security from the ground. We need deployment of the police to replace the army,” the leaders said in a statement.
According to the community, the attack on the chief was a second attempt of assassination by the same military personnel under the national army.
“The first attempt was reported but no action was taken by the concerned authority,’’ the statement reads.
The community complains of numerous other violation cases of rape, defilement, murder and looting of homes, by the SSPDF forces.
“Besides there are cases of defilement of under-aged by national security personnel stationed in Mursak Boma of Lo’bonok payam,” they stated.
The community claims the presence of the national army in the area violates the ongoing peace agreement.
The community is paralyzed and has no hope for the future if no action is taken.
They have demanded access to humanitarian organizations and temporary peacekeeping forces.
“The people of Lo’bonok believe that any armed force is meant to protect properties and lives of its citizens yet South Sudan armed forces turned to be a source of destruction,” the lamented in the statement.
“We demand access to humanitarian organizations and temporary peacekeeping forces based in Lo’bonok Payam,” the statement reads.
The people are in fears that the situation might worsen if the authorities fail to investigate the ongoing issues in the area.
However, Doctor’s report indicates that the Chief’s situation is improving compared to when he was admitted on the day of the incident.