JUBA – The Secretary-General for Aneet Fact-Finding Committee, Dr. Dhieu Mathok has accused some sections of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) of fueling communal violence between Twic of Warrap State and Dinka Ngok of Abyei disputed area.
Dr. Mathok alleged that the SSPDF Division 3 at Majok Kon in Twic County and Abyei independent brigade had sided with their communities during the February conflict which left more than 18 people dead.
“We come to realize the forces which were there either in Majok Kon Division 3 or forces in Abyei, the Abyei independent brigade and they were highly involved,” Dr. Mathok said during a press conference in Juba on Monday.
“These soldiers have identified themselves with the communities, and the soldier divides themselves on ethnic lines.”
Dr Mathok stressed the need to deploy independent forces to curb the conflict between the warring communities.
“We also talk about robust security measures, and our thinking is that, we need new personnel in the area we need security forces to be deployed between Twic and Ngok,” he said.
He called on the national boundary commission to address the land dispute between Twic and Dinka Ngok.
“What we know the real problem is about the boundaries which are not the case of Twic and Ngok alone, it is all over the country, there is need for have a national boundary commission to deal with the issue of borders,” he said.
He disclosed that Ad-hoc committee has recommended establishment of high court to try crimes committed during the conflict.
“The committee has recommended for the establishment of high court, there are crimes which were committed, and there are so many crimes and atrocities such as murder, the crime of looting and the crime of destroying properties,” he said.
He said the crimes and atrocities committed during the conflict can only be handled through competent court.
“We thought those crimes should be dealt with through competent and it is justice institutions to address this issues, and we believe the ministry of justice and the chief justice are going to address and see into it that the court is establish and function,” he said.
In February, fighting erupted at Aneet market in Abyei Administrative Area over land disputed by the two communities, leaving more than 18 people dead.
More than 50,000 people mostly women and children were displaced as a result of the violence.
President Salva Kiir in the aftermath of the violence formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate the killings in the Aneet market.
On May 5th, leaders from the two communities reached an agreement to cease hostilities but later on fighting erupted again with both sides trading blame.
At least four people including a state minister believed to have incited the renewed fighting have been arrested.