South Sudan expresses fears of insecurity as 40 ex-Afghan fighters illegally cross from Uganda

JUBA – South Sudan government has warned of insecurity after it said at least forty (40) former Afghan fighters have entered the world’s youngest country via Uganda where they were initially hosted upon the request of the United States.

South Sudan’s Director-General of Immigration, Passports, Nationality and Civil Registry, Lt. Gen. Atem Marol Biar said during a briefing to sector commanders deployed across South Sudan’s capital Juba that 40 ex-Afghan fighters have entered the country and are staying in one place.

“I was not aware in the short time that Afghans who were fighting are already here with us in South Sudan. I released this in the report that they have 40 people here with us who all stay in one place,” Gen. Marol said.

The senior police officer however did not however which group they were fighting for before the Taliban takeover of the government in Afghanistan.

“This is a very big concern not only for the security officials, but also for our population. These illegal crossing of foreigners, especially some fighters in any foreign country, jeopardizes the security of the people of South Sudan,” he added.

Speaking to Sudans Post separately, a police officer who requested not to be named said the Afghan refugees entered South Sudan from Uganda and that “there are chances that the number of those who are here in the country is higher.”