South Sudan minister, 3 county commissioners detained for inciting Abyei-Twic violence

JUBA – Four state government officials have been put under house arrest for allegedly inciting communal violence between Twic of Warrap State and Ngok Dinka of disputed Abyei, a senior government official said on Tuesday.

Those under house arrest are Deng Tong Goc, Commissioner of Twic County, Mayot Kuinit Minister of the physical infrastructure in Abyei Administrative area, Chol Pur Chol, Commissioner of Rumamer County, and Akuei Akoon Wel, commissioner of Alal County of Abyei administrative area.

The Committee Secretary for Aneet Fact-Finding Committee, Dr. Dhieu Mathok said those under detention have been accused of mobilizing youth to resume conflict in the area.

“The committee notices with dismay that state government officials in both Abyei Administrative Area and Twic County of Warrap State are involved in the mobilization of youth that led to the resumption of conflict instead of implementing CoHA in their capacity as local government,” read part of a statement issued by Dr. Mathok on Tuesday.

Dr. Mathok said that detained personnel are temporarily confined in Juba to curb the escalation of conflict.

“Because of the above reasons, the committee decided to temporarily confine these leaders in Juba to contain the fighting and rescue the lives and properties of innocent civilians,”

Dr. Mathok said those detained will remain in the confinement until the matter is finally resolved.

He further warned that anyone accused of inciting the violence between two communities would be held accountable.

“These leaders will remain in the confinement until the matter is finally resolved and the committee seriously warns that whoever is found to be part of instigation of violence between Twic and Dinka Ngok would be held countable.”

In February this year, President Kiir formed an eleven-member committee to investigate the Aneet market shooting in Abyei Administrative Area one week after three people were killed and six others injured in the market.