Top gov’t officials identified as perpetrators of violence in Western Equatoria state

JUBA – The governor of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state Alfred Futuyo has named a group of senior government officials he said are perpetrating violence in Tombura county of Western Equatoria state.

Mr. Futuyo made the remarks during a press conference held in Juba on Wednesday in which the SPLM-IO-nominated governor accused prominent politicians of supporting and perpetuating violence in the state.

According to a report last week, the governor was himself accused of supporting the tribally-motivated conflict between the Balanda and the Azande tribes as he has been silent while the conflict was ongoing.

In his statements to journalists, Futuyo said acting SPLM Secretary-General Mrs. Jemma Nunu Kumba who is also the minister of parliamentary affairs in the revitalized unity government is one of the perpetrators of the violence in the state, threatening to go to the office of the president to bring to an end the issue.

“People cannot hide while killing others and accuse other people, this is not right,” Eye Radio quoted him as saying. “That is why I have come to see them here. I want to go with them up to the office of the President where I will ask them.”

“If not I will sue them because I have enough evidence. The report was compiled from the ground by the UN and various security organs.”