Juba Mayor summoned by local council after attacking female hawker

JUBA, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The Juba City Legislative Assembly has summoned the capital city’s mayor Emmanuel Khamis Richard days after he attacked a female street vendor, sparking public uproar.

On Tuesday, Khamis was seen in a viral video near the University of Juba attacking street vendors who were selling items along the road.

He confiscated goods from vendors and was seen slapping a woman while carrying a pistol.

The viral video sparked public outcry, and in a letter of summons obtained by Sudans Post, the Juba City Legislative Assembly summoned the mayor to answer questions about the incident.

“In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act of 2009, Section 37 (subsection 3). Therefore, based on this provision of the above article, you are hereby requested to appear before the August House of the Juba City Legislative Council,” the letter, signed by Juba City Legislative Assembly Chairperson Dina Keji, says.

“Reason: to answer questions about the ongoing viral video on social media that has drawn the attention and outcry of the public,” it added.

‘IRRESPONSIBLE’

In a statement, the Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan, Bol Deng Bol, condemned the incident and described the mayor’s actions as abuse of authority.

“This is unusual, irresponsible, and I am ashamed on his behalf. It is an abuse of the authority and the public office he holds. I strongly condemn his actions,” he said.

He said that “accountability is not only for people who do not hold government positions. Government officials must also be held accountable for their actions, as they have a responsibility to the citizens of this country.”

“No one is above the law, and if this phrase still means anything in our motherland,” he stressed.

He added that “the business items confiscated by the Municipal Council should be returned immediately and those detained should be released immediately,” and that the mayor “should be stripped of his immunity (as acting mayor and county commissioner) immediately and brought before a competent court of law to account for his actions.”