Defense Minister Visiting Malakal To Defuse Fighting

 

By Jok P Mayom

JUBA, 24 April 2015 [Gurtong]: Dr. Ann Itto, the Party’s Acting Secretary General told reporters after the meeting evening that the Political Bureau learns with deep concern about what happened with regards to the insecurity in Malakal.

“We have been informed that the insecurity was triggered by the differences between the body Guard of Johnson Olony and the Governor of Upper Nile State unfortunately what started between a couple of soldiers grew up to a full-fledged  insecurity that has covered most of the city” said Itto.

“We are not sure how many people have lost their lives and the injuries as well but the report from Comrade Kuol Manyang Juuk who is the member of Political Bureau and also the Minister of Defense says things in Malakal are under control” she said.

Dr. Itto said that the Political Bureau also directed the Defense Minister to talk to elders and political figures to make sure that the situation is not just addressed militarily but through leaders coming together and working out a long term solution.

The political bureau further said, “we are also looking forward to the government organizing may be a visit of elders from major communities in Upper Nile, Shilluk, Nuer and Dinka to visit Juba.”

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement that due to the deteriorating security situation in the area aid agencies have pulled out from Upper Nile's Pagak area.