Machar’s office demands apprehension of Apadang militia over Malakal killing

JUBA – South Sudan’s First Vice President and leader of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) Dr. Riek Machar Teny has condemned yesterday’s violence in the capital of the oil rich Upper Nile state where suspected armed Apadang youth attacked internally displaced persons who were heading to Malakal airport to welcome newly appointed SPLM-IO governor.

Yesterday, around twelve (12) people – all of whom are displaced civilians – were killed after armed Apadang youth attacked IDPs heading for Malakal airport ahead of the arrival of Governor Abudhok Ayang.

In a statement this evening, Machar’s deputy press secretary Gorden Yien Gorden said the First Vice President’s office condemns the indiscriminate act and called for serious action against the armed Apadang youth for killing innocent civilians.

“The office of the Chairman and Commander in Chief of SPLM/SPLA-IO and the First Vice President would like to make it clear to the people of South Sudan, that what had happened in Upper Nile State, Malakal is unacceptable. We demand serious action to be taken by the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) in Juba,” the statement said.

“The killing of civilians by some Apadang group upon the arrival of the governor is a crime and needs accurate investigation to be done,” the statement added.

The strong-worded statement further condemned yesterday’s beating of opposition officials who are parts of the state transitional cabinet in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state by security forces upon orders of the state security advisor.

“Similarly, the assault and intimidation of opposition officials in Northern Bahr El-Ghazal, Aweil also equate to violations of the agreement. The SPLM/SPLA-(IO) condemned such acts in strongest term, the murder of innocent people including women and children on Saturday 27, March 2021 in Malakal town,” the statement said.

“We are at peace and it’s critical for the Anti- peace elements to stop killing of civilians and refrain from violence and those responsible must be held accountable,” the statement further stressed.

The group further urged for the full implementation of the security arrangement provided for in the revitalized peace agreement signed by Kiir and Machar in September 2018 which calls for deployment of joint security forces to protect civilians.

“The SPLM/SPLA-(IO) therefore, calls for urgent implementation of transitional security arrangements and the graduation of necessary unified forces that will maintain law and order and provide security in order to protect citizens of this country,” it said.

“Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and may their souls rest in eternal peace,” it added.