Ex-governor Chagor’s guards seize weapons in Jonglei, fire shots

BOR – Bodyguards loyal to former Jonglei governor Denay Jock Chagor seized weapons from the governor’s residence armory and fired shots into the air on Friday, according to the state information minister.

Chagor, leader of the South Sudan United Movement (SSUM) and member of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), was dismissed by President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday after serving since July 2020.

Chagor challenged the dismissal, arguing it violated the revitalized peace agreement that allocated the governorship to the SSOA, not his own SSUM party.

Following his removal, a group of Chagor’s bodyguards broke into the armory on Friday evening, taking weapons and firing shots in the air as they left, according to Jonglei Information Minister Nyamal Lony Thichiot.

The incident occurred at 6:15 pm, a day after Chagor’s replacement was appointed.

“The commander of the governor’s guards collected all artillery, equipment and firearms and reserved them in the armory,” Nyamar said.

“However, yesterday evening, a few guards forced their way into the armory and managed to obtain some weapons and left the premises while shooting in the air.”

No casualties were reported. The state government, according to Nyamar, has urged the guards to return the weapons and assured the public that the situation is calm.

“The state leadership immediately took action and communicated with the guards who took the weapons urging them to return them to the armory,” she said.

“The state government would like to take this opportunity to assure the public that the situation is calm and peaceful.”

Bol Deng, chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network, condemned the actions of the former governor’s security detail.

“I strongly condemn the security forces of the former governor…for breaking into the armory…and shooting aimlessly before fleeing Bor town,” Deng said.

He expressed concern that the incident could violate the 2018 peace agreement.

“I am urging [former] governor Denay to dissuade his forces from this violent path,” Deng advised.