Fatal clash over deployment of government officials in South Sudan’s Unity state

By Chondok Stephen Magei

Deployment of local leaders in Koch County of Unity state turned fatal when the opposition forces of the SPLM-IO opposed it.

Clashes occurred twice on Sunday, at 2.30 PM and at 10.30 PM as the country tried to deploy officials to work in Mirmir payam.

SPLM-IO Acting Division commander George Gatbany Chuol told Juba Echo that one person was killed and another injured in their quest to thwart the deployment of the officials.

“Koch County commissioner wanted to deployment the head chief and administrators in Mirmir Cantonment site but we were not aware of his deployment,” Chuol said.

Reached by phone, Koch County Commission, Gordon Koang Biel denied spearheading any attack but accused a group which defected from the SPLM-IO a fortnight ago of masterminding the clashes.

“Those who attacked SPLM-IO are the SPLM-IO defectors,” Biel told Juba Echo.

“I did not launch any attack on SPLM-IO base, they refused my deployment since December last year and I just kept quiet.”