Kiir dispatches security chiefs to Tonj after deadly clashes

JUBA – South Sudan President Salve Kiir Mayardit has dispatched the country’s top security chiefs to the restive Warrap State, a week after deadly clash between security forces and armed civilians killed at least 30 people.

The clashes occurred when armed youth from Tonj North launched cattle raid in Tonj East stealing a huge number of cattle, after which security forces led by senior army and police officers were ordered to go and restore the cattle sparking clash with the armed youth.

While security sources told Sudans Post that the death toll could as higher as 65, official Warrap state government position says that the overall death told stands at 30, including 19 senior army and police officers and civilians.

In a statement yesterday, the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) said that President Salva Kiir Mayardit has decided to dispatch a team of senior security officers led by the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) General Santino Deng Wol.

“Members of high level security committee headed by Chief of Defence forces Gen. Santino Deng Wol arrived in Tonj North County of Warrap state to assess the general security situation in the area following the recent clashes between security forces and armed civilians in Rualbet Payam,” the police said in the statement a copy of which was seen by Sudans Post.

Sudans Post has also learned that among those visiting the area include the Inspector General of Police, General Majak Akec, the Director General of Internal Security Bureau (ISB) at the South Sudan National Security Service General Akol Koor Kuc, as well as other senior officers form the organized forces.