By Deng Ghai Deng
Members of Parliament have decided to summon the country’s security ministers for explanations and potential solutions amid a troubling surge in gun violence in the capital, Juba.
They are the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Minister of Interior and Minister of National Security.
The resolution was passed during a heated session of the National Legislature on Tuesday, as lawmakers expressed grave concerns over a recent spike in shootings and violent incidents that have resulted in numerous casualties and widespread fear among residents.
Bol Joseph Agau, the Member of Parliament for Yirol West County, highlighted the severity of the situation during the session.
“Last week and part of this week, Juba has been gripped by anxiety and fear due to rampant killings and shootings, including a particularly intense incident at Seventh-Day’s Roundabout,” Agau said.
“The level of violence was akin to a battalion battle. There has been too much silence from the executives, and we need answers.”
Similarly, Kom Kom Geng supported the call for accountability, urging that the relevant ministers be summoned.
“We need to understand why we are allowing such rampant killings. Our people deserve protection, not to be left vulnerable due to inaction,” Geng stated.
The First Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, Oyet Nathaniel, has instructed the legal advisor to expedite the process of summoning the pertinent ministers.
“The increasing crime rates reflect the severe situation our citizens are enduring,” Nathaniel remarked. “The legal advisor has been directed to act promptly on this resolution.”
The violence underscores ongoing criticism of the South Sudanese government’s handling of security issues.
Residents have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the current law enforcement measures and have called for more robust responses to the violence.
On Sunday night, one person was killed and another injured in a shooting incident in the Sherikat suburb of Juba, adding to the city’s rising crime statistics.
This incident highlights a disturbing trend of gun-related violence, which many attribute to the country’s severe economic downturn, exacerbating social tensions and straining public resources.