Opposition leader urges peace monitors to probe deadly Tambura clashes

JUBA – The former information minister of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria statement and leader of the United South Sudan Party (USSP) Paulino Lukudu Obede is calling upon the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to launch an investigation into the deadly communal violence which left over 30 people dead in Tombura County of Western Equatoria State this month.

On Saturday, renewed violence erupted in Tombura County after the body of an officer from the Criminal Investigation Department was found on outskirts of Tombura.

The renewed fighting left 11 people dead and displaced over 21,000 of civilians mostly women and children.

On Tuesday, Former Commissioner of Tombura County, Babiro Charles Gbamis was gunned down.

Between June and July, over 20 people were reportedly killed in separates attacks in Yubu, Akpa, Mabenge, Kpatanayo and other areas.

Lukudu called on Ceasefire Monitors to visit the scene of the deadly violence to verify the atrocities committed and hold perpetrators accountable.

“I am requesting the intervention of Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to visit the scene of the violence and verify the atrocities caused and expose the perpetrators behind this proxy violence,” Lukudu said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Lukudu also urged political leaders, Faith-based groups, and youth to intervene in diffusing violence in a bid to restore peace and stability in the area.

“We are calling on government and Humanitarian Agencies to expedite the support to the displaced people who are currently in dire need of humanitarian assistance in Tombura town and other locations,” he said.

He urged the youth of Tombura to distance themselves from politicians whom he referred to as “self-center” who want to use them for their personal political gain.

“It is the best time to desist from petty politics that stop us from solving problems of healthcare, infrastructure, education, sky rocketing prices and security,” he said.