Caucus of Bor, Duk, and Twic East Counties Urges Government Intervention in Recent Attacks

In a press statement released on Friday, January 19, 2024, the Parliamentary Caucus of Bor, Duk, and Twic East Counties of Jonglei State expressed grave concern over the security situation in their respective counties. 

The Caucus specifically addressed the recent heinous attacks in Poktap and Kadiang, both located in Duk County.

The attacks, allegedly perpetrated by youth from Gumuruk Payam of Nanam area and its four Bomas, resulted in the loss of over 7,000 herds of cattle and claimed the lives of more than 30 people, with eighteen others sustaining serious injuries.

To address the escalating situation, the Caucus met with representatives of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs on January 6 and January 8, 2024, respectively. During these meetings, the Caucus called for urgent government intervention and requested UNMISS assistance in evacuating the wounded and identifying the culprits.

As part of their efforts to assess the security situation in Duk County, the UNMISS facilitated a visit for the Caucus to Kadiang and Poktap on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

Following these discussions and assessments, the Caucus made several resolutions. Firstly, due to the specific age group known as Kurenen from the aforementioned Bomas being responsible for the aggression, the Chiefs of Duk County have launched a criminal case against the culprits, which is currently being processed in the headquarters of Jonglei State. 

The Caucus resolved to engage government legal entities to provide necessary support for this endeavor.

Additionally, the Caucus committed to reaching out to fellow Members of Parliament from Gumuruk Payam Administrative Area (GPAA) in an effort to establish lasting peace in the neighboring areas. They also urged UNMISS to facilitate joint visits between their Caucus and the GPAA MPs to Duk County and Gumuruk County.

Recognizing the immediate needs of the affected population in Poktap and Kadiang, the Caucus called on the Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management and the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide immediate airlifting of ten metric tons of food and non-food items. These contributions were generously provided by the great sons and daughters of Duk County and other well-wishers.

The Caucus appealed to their peace-loving constituents to exercise restraint and allow relevant government institutions the opportunity to address the current security situation in the three counties.