3 dead, county commissioner hiding as SSPDF, armed civilians clash in Eastern Equatoria

JUBA – Deadly clashes between South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed civilians in Eastern Equatoria state’s Ikotos County have left at least 3 people dead and two others wounded, authorities there say.

Ikotos County Paramount chief says the fighting started at a drinking at Hai Turuju after soldiers had an altercation with civilians, adding that he has since fled into hiding.

“Yesterday (Sunday), the fighting happened in a drinking place in a residential area called Hai Turuju when one soldier was shot dead,” he said, according to independent Radio Tamazuj.

“When other soldiers went to see what had happened, they got one of their colleagues killed and they began to shoot at the civilians leaving three dead. The situation is still worsening,” he added.

The traditional chief further revealed that South Sudan army commander in the area was requested by the County Commissioner to withdraw his troops, but refused the request.

“When the commissioner tried to order the base commander to withdraw the forces, the commander aired bad words to the commissioner and told him to also get prepared and said he was not listening to the commissioner anymore,” Odongi said.

“I think they also have an issue between them. Right now the commissioner is out (of town) in fear for his life and I am also away because we were targeted for reason,” he added.

He further appealed to the state authorities for intervention to prevent further escalation.

For his part, Ikotos County Commissioner Joseph Loholong Jenisio, confirmed the incident and claimed that he was threatened by the SSPDF base commander and had to move to another compound for safety.

“There was a shooting in Hai Turuju and I immediately talked to the inspector of police and director of wildlife. I asked them to go and verify what the problem was. Before they even reached there, I heard the sound of an RBG and exchange of bullets,” he said.

“I called the SSPDF commander and ordered him to withdraw to the barrack so that we can follow up on the matter. He told me that he is not going to withdraw any soldier and that I should also be ready,” he added.

He added that “There is still shooting all over and I was informed by the security organs to shift, which is why I shifted to the compound.”