Jonglei state: Landmines threaten resettlement in Fangak Article Comments (1) Email PrintSave --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Philip Thon Aleu June 21, 2011 (BOR) – James Maluit Ruach, Commissioner of Fangak County in Jonglei State, says landmines allegedly planted by renegade Gen. George Athor are impeding resettlement of displaced persons. Speaking to reporters in Bor on Monday, the commissioner expressed concern over lack of farming activities in the county and called on all stakeholders to respond swiftly. “At this time the county [security situation] is calm, stable and secured,” Maluit said when asked to speak about the aftermath of the heavy fighting that took place on 9 and 10 February between the South Sudan army (SPLA) and Athor’s forces in which over 200 people lost their lives and many more were displaced. In the after of February’s clashes, "we are facing a number of landmines at the county headquarters,” he added. The county leader claimed that two women had receivedlegs injuries when landmines exploded recently. “I am appealing to the international community and the government of southern Sudan to conduct assessment [of planned mines] especially at the headquarters of the county,” he said. The SPLA fought fierce battles with forces loyal to Gen. Athor in February 2011 resulting to huge lost of civilian lives. Gen. Athor took up arms against the government of southern Sudan following his defeated in Jonglei State gubernatorial elections in April 2010. In March 2011, the SPLA declared they had defeated Athor’s forces in northern Jonglei state after yet another series of fights. Athor has not being heard of in recent weeks. Calling on the international community to lead demining of his county, Commissioner Maluit skipped questions on what efforts the county authorities are exerting to help restarting resettlement of local population. He indicated that numerous humanitarian crisis are visible including lack of food and shelter but that demining the area was paramount. “We need some more NGOs [Non-governmental organisations] to come to do tools distribution because people are waiting to cultivate. We need more. The government of southern Sudan [should] advise NGOs and state to contribute and mobilise more resources to Fangak County. Without cultivation of those communities, there will be more hunger next year,” the commissioner explained. South Sudan is due to declare independence on July 9, 2011 having voted overwhelming to secede from the North in January referendum promised in 2005 peace deal. The region relird on imported food items and farming in the villages had been interrupted by local fights over cattle and other resources. David Yauyau, who started a rebellion at the same time as Athor after loosing his bid to become the commisioner of Pibor County in Jonglei, last week signed a peace deal with the government of South Sudan. (ST) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "JFD info" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/jfdinfo?hl=en.
