Ex-lawmaker warns escalating violence around Bentiu may affect oil production

JUBA – A former South Sudan member of the transitional legislative assembly has warned that ongoing violence around Unity State capital Bentiu initiated by former SPLA-IO commander General Tito Biel Wich may ‘touch old wounds’ between the communities in Unity State and may affect the oil production in the state.

Two days ago, a militia force belonging to Gen. Biel attacked Kaljak Payam in of Rubkona County, just a few kilometers outside Bentiu town, and wounded three people with locals expressing fears of further attacks by the renegade former rebel commander.

A senior opposition officer allied to Machar told Sudans Post on Thursday that thousands of forces belonging to General Tito Biel have been armed by Unity State governor Nguen Manytuil Wijang and are planning attack on several villages in Rubkona County.

In a brief social media statement this afternoon, Buay Keake Turoal, a former lawmaker and member of the defunct SPLM-IO-for-Peace faction led by Vice-President Taban Deng Gai said the violent activities of Gen. Biel may result in the spiraling of the violence and will close down the oil production.

“The activities of Gen. Tito Biel Wie in Unity State will touch old wounds between the Leek and Bull Community and eventually closed down the oil fields in Leek areas,” he said in the statement.

“Its important that the Government of Unity State, particularly, Governor, Manytuil to reconsider his strategy,” he added.