27 criminals linked to recent Tonj violence arrested, security chiefs tell Kiir

JUBA — President Salva Kiir Mayardit this afternoon met the army chief, Gen. Santino Deng Wol, police chief, Gen. Majak Akec, and National Security chief, Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, to discuss recent violence in Tonj North County of Warrap State.

Last month, violent clashes erupted in Tonj resulting in the death of several army officers including SSPDF operation commander in Warrap.

Kiir then dispatched the security chiefs to the area to de-escalate the situation leading to the signing of documents in which community chiefs resolve to pursue the youth to handover guns to the government.

In a statement, the presidency said the three senior security commanders briefed Kiir in a meeting about their mission and reported back that over 500 small fire arms have been surrendered by the civilians and cattle taken from Tonj East returned to owners.

“President Salva Kiir Mayardit was briefed on Tuesday by the heads of Security Organs that he directed to address the security situation in Rualbet Payam, Tonj North of Warrap State, following the  clashes between security forces and armed civilians in the area last month,” the presidency said in a statement.

“The heads of security informed H. E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit that the security situation in Rualbet Payam has returned to normalcy. They also reported that, they have so far managed to collect over 531 small fire arms from the civilians and 124 stolen cattle were recovered and returned to their rightful owners through the efforts of local chiefs,” the statement added.

It further said that at least 27 people believed to be the culprits behind the violence have been arrested and security forces are working to arrest more.

“Furthermore, the Security Chiefs reported to H. E. the President that nearly 27 culprits linked to the recent killings in Rualbet payam have been arrested and the security forces have been deployed to crack down more criminals,” the statement said.

“They noted that, there was a total breakdown of law and order in the area but currently calm has return and there are no more roadblocks,” it added.