SSPDF, NS to vacate Lobonok-Lobonok community leaders call
By Adia Jildo/ Asante Ali
The communities of Lobonok are calling on the government to vacate the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the National Security out of Lobonok and replace them with police force citing several cases of human right violation by them.
The chairperson of the Lobonok Youth Association Noel Matayo said the continuous attacks on civilians by the security personnel have caused chaos and displacement of people creating Lobonok insecure.
“The community of Lobonok was shocked to learn of the shooting of the head chief of Lobonok Payam Mr. Mathew Kenyi on the 29th August 2023, survived second attempted assassination at his home at 7:30 Pm by one of the ground forces based in Pager village,” he said.
“On the 29th July 2023 at Nyarbanga village of Kit Boma, one citizen by the name Milla Severio Modi was shot dead by SSPDF ground force based in Paya and later attempted to assassinate Chief Loku Solomon of Karpeto Boma and his house further looted and followed by raping of 2 women, one from Luwala and the other in Kaperto Boma,” he added.
Matayo cited reported cases of defilement by National Security personnel stationed in Morsak Boma of Lobonok Payam.
He added that the military has become a source of destruction of lives, property, and massive displacement of the population, which might paralyze the peace process in the area and beyond.
According to Matayo, 2 of 4 people (Wari Lo Koguyu and Yekisuk Taranquilino) lost their lives and the others seriously injured in an attack at Kaperto Boma on the 2nd of August 2023, by Deng and Ariek member of SSPDF stationed at Longoyo Army Garrison.
“It is important to note that communities are paralyzed in their socio-economic activities and do not long have any hope for the future due to these uncalled, uncivilized and barbaric acts committed by some wrong elements within SSPDF soldiers, failure to take action will lead to further escalation,” he said.
He condemned the action calling on the relevant authorities to take action and bring the relevant authorities to book for justice to prevail.
“If no immediate actions were taken by the high authority to discipline soldiers on the ground. It will jeopardise the smooth implementation of the revitalized peace agreement and the upcoming general election in 2024.
The youth representative during the press statement recommended that SSPDF and the National security be removed from the area and replaced with police forces, culprits of the enormous act be arrested and brought before book.
He further demanded for a temporary UNMISS base and allowance for access to humanitarian organizations in Lobonok to support the displaced persons.
