Bulis Nguak, the Chairperson of the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Civil Society Organisation Network (NBGS-CSON), said the September 12 incident in which rowdy youth attacked Bahr el Ghazal traders in Bor and looted 30 million South Sudanese Pounds represents a clear violation of the country’s Transitional Constitution.
“The Bor youth carried out an inhuman and violent attack on Bahr el Ghazal traders and looted their properties in Bor Town. Such acts violate constitutional rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights of the Transitional Constitution, 2011, as amended,” Nguak said in a statement.
The attack, which left several people injured, has raised alarm among citizens and human rights defenders who view the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of hostility against non-indigenous traders in Jonglei.
Nguak urged both state and national authorities to act decisively to end what he described as recurring mistreatment of certain groups in Bor.
“This issue needs urgent intervention by the Jonglei State Government, the national government, and the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Government to provide protection for citizens residing in Bor,” he stressed.
He further called for an end to discrimination and divisive attitudes, emphasising the need for unity.
“The youth of Bor must be told that this is a time for nation-building, unity, and peace among the people of South Sudan. Any South Sudanese has the right to reside and work in Bor without fear of intimidation, just as the people of Bor are enjoying freedom of residence and work in other states,” he added.
The NBGS-CSON also pressed the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and to reinforce security measures to safeguard traders.
“We call upon the Jonglei State government to apprehend the perpetrators and provide adequate security to South Sudanese people in Bor, regardless of their origin,” Nguak said.
Separately, journalist Ngor Deng vowed to take legal action against the Jonglei State government for what he termed negligence and failure to protect traders, many of whom hail from Aweil.
“I am opening a case against the Jonglei State government for security negligence towards the citizens. The government has up to this Friday to arrest the suspects or else face legal questions next week,” Ngor warned.
He alleged that the attack was premeditated and specifically targeted hawkers in Bor town, recalling past abuses where police reportedly stripped and beat traders.
As of now, Jonglei State authorities have not issued an official response to the demands for accountability.
