South Sudan security forces still deploying near Machar’s residence at night

JUBA – South Sudan security forces that were deployed near First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny’s residence last week are still being deployed after an announcement was made of their withdrawal, according to residents.

Last week a joint security force comprising elements of South Sudan National Security Service and South Sudan People’s Defense Forces was deployed to airport road that passes near Machar’s residence in Juba.

The deployment resulted in fears of return to violence as Machar said it was reminiscent of the events leading up to violence in December 2013 and July 2016 sparking civil war.

Speaking to Sudans Post this morning, two eyewitnesses said they have seen security forces returning to airport road each night since four days ago when SPLM-IO confirmed that the force deployed outside FVP Machar’s residence was withdrawn.

“There is nothing as withdrawal. We still see them returning every night for around four days now. I think they are thinking that Dr. Riek Machar may escape,” one residence who requested not to be named, said.

Another residence separately confirmed the return of security forces, but added that “now the police have joined with their vehicle and in the afternoon it looks like everything is fine, but not really is the case at night.”

Separately, a senior member of the SPLM-IO close to FVP Machar said they have seen troops restricting movement of citizens at night “and it is still a worrying development as to why the security forces are doing that as if there is a danger in this part of Juba.”