2 wounded as civilians clash with security forces over demolition exercise in Juba

JUBA – At least two people were wounded on Saturday after clashes between security forces and civilians over demolition exercise ordered by local authorities on illegally built houses, according to a lawmaker who visited the scene.

Anok Abair Wol, a lawmaker representing Awerial County of Lakes State in the national parliament on the opposition SPLM-IO ticket, claimed that the demolition exercise targeted the Aliab Community of Awerial County and that two people were nursing wounds at Giada Military Hospital in Juba.

“The incident took place on Saturday at around 11:00 A.M and it happened exactly at a place called Gombo Highland and it targeted members of Aliab Community of Awerial County,” the opposition lawmaker told Sudans Post during a visit to highland.

Anok said the demolition exercise was done under the directive of Rejaf County Administrator, Sarafiro Lodo.

“Rejaf County Administrator Sarafiro Lodo ordered the soldiers to go to Highland to demolish all the buildings. The soldiers went drunk and they were definitely bribed,” the lawmaker said.

Mawut Nyankot, a resident of Highland said the security forces injured two people, demolished 34 houses, and destroyed properties.

“The organized forces came on Saturday and started demolishing houses without notification, they shot and wounded two people, demolished 34 houses, destroyed properties and several heads of cattle got loss,” Nyankot said.

Manyang Ajak, a local trader said more than 3 million, and five hundred thousand South Sudanese Pounds were looted by security forces during the eviction.

“We are traders, we left our money at home and soldiers looted them during forceful eviction on Saturday. The money belongs to many traders and the total amount is 3,500,000 SSP,” the trader said.

Charles Wani, Sub-Chief of Rejaf Payam said the residents of Highland were not informed about the eviction.

“Even if there was a directive for eviction, you can’t just come and start demolishing houses without notifying the residents of the area,” said Wani.

“I am appealing to Rejaf County Payam administration to allocate alternative areas to settle those who were evicted until their problems are solved,” Wani added.