Gov’t renews threats of using live bullets against protesters

JUBA – South Sudan government has yet again warned that it does not have tear gas to use against protesters during the planned uprising, saying it only have live bullets to use if necessary, months after minister Michael Makuei Lueth is quoted by a section of the South Sudan media as saying.

Speaking to a local radio over the weekend, Senior Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang Juuk said the government has at least warned the demonstrators that it doesn’t have tear gas in case they proceed with the planned uprising against the government urging them to stay home to avoid injuries,.

“Warning the demonstrators that the government don’t have rubber bullet, that is that is the reality, they don’t have it. The government cannot just stand […] and things are getting wrong. So, if I hear that, then why should I go [to the protests]. If I am one of them and I hear that there is no rubber bullet, why should I go to demonstrate?” the senior government official asked, when asked about what he thinks of warning by Minister Michael Makuei Lueth.

“So, if they are going to demonstrate [at their own risk], they have been warned at least to know that that [would be the outcome],” he added.

Mayang who was South Sudan’s defense minister for seven years further denied reports that he is supporting the call for nation-wide protests against the regime of President Salva Kiir Mayardit saying if it was the case, he would only leave the SPLM and form his own party to mobilize against the president.

“We never talked to any of them and I think they want to see leading figures [within the SPLM] using their fame to raise the people to join them and since Kuol is there and so those who admire Kuol or Gen. Wani will them also. They have never talk to me and I not even support such an action,” he said.

“This is my position and I have ask Cde Awet [Akot] and he said nobody talked to him. If I was against the leadership of President Salva Kiir or chairman of the SPLM, why should they (activists) be the one to lead the People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA)? Why should it not be me? If I am against the government of the party, it should have been me leading it and I will just go openly, resign from the SPLM and form my own party,” he added.