Governor orders end to searches in Northern Bahr el Ghazal

AWEIL – The governor of South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal state has ordered a halt to door-to-door searches for goods looted from Sudanese traders in Aweil town and other parts of the state.

The order follows complaints from residents about forced seizures of personal belongings, including food, by security forces during the search operations.

Governor Simon Ober Mawut issued the directive in a press statement on Wednesday evening. He apologized to residents whose homes were searched and acknowledged that some items were mistakenly taken.

“I would like to tell the public to forgive the forces that entered into their houses. Cases of people who took the individuals items which were not looted has come to my attention. The items are in the stores of the government and I have formed the committee to lead the local investigation into the items of those taken by mistakes and render them back,” Governor Mawut said.

He urged residents to be patient as the situation returns to normalcy.

The governor also appealed to Sudanese traders to return to their businesses, assuring them of security. He urged them to sell their goods at affordable prices to avoid exploiting the situation.

Governor Mawut revealed that a convoy of goods has arrived in the state, which is expected to ease the current shortage and stabilize prices.

He also announced that market operating hours would be regulated.

“The ultimatum or the curfew is over, now the markets across the state have to get reopened as we are keeping the close eyes on what is happening on the security of the business community. I urge at this juncture the Sudanese traders to reopen their shops,” Governor Mawut said.

“The shops will be allowed to reopen from the morning till 4:00 PM until the fear and anxiety among the traders quells down,” he stated.

The closure of markets across the state had led to significant price increases for essential goods, including bread, affecting many residents.