South Sudan opposition leader Dr. Lam Akol ‘shocked’ by Leer killings, to ‘impose accountability’

JUBA – Prominent opposition leader and chairman of South Sudan’s opposition National Democratic Movement (NDM) Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin has said that he and his group are shocked by the ongoing violence against civilians in southern Unity State’s Leer County.

Violence began early this month when elements and forces belonging to Mayendit County Commissioner and his Koch County counterparts launched attack on civil areas in Leer County resulting in the killing of many and displacement of thousands of civilians.

The fighting has been condemned by the international community and President Salva Kiir Mayardit has formed a committee to investigate the violence in 14 days and has named senior SPLM-IO member and minister of water resources Manawa Gatkuoth as head of the committee.

Activists have also appealed to Dr. Lam Akol to replace the commissioner of Mayendit County Gatluak Nyang who is believed to be behind orders for killing of civilians that has yet again sparked tensions in Unity State.

In a statement on Twitter on Wednesday, Dr. Lam said he and his group are shocked by the violence and said he would ‘leave no stone unturned’ and will work to make sure that the truth is told to impose accountability.

“We are shocked by the atrocities that have been perpetrated against our civilians in the Unity State especially Leer County,” Dr. Lam who is also the secretary-general of South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) said.

“We are going to leave no stone unturned to uncover the truth and impose accountability,” he added.