The Khorfulus Community in South Sudan have urged rebels loyal to Riek Machar to stop “spreading baseless propaganda” by denying responsibility for the killings in Baliet County, Upper Nile State.
By Edison Akugizibwe, Chimp Reports
“Our youth stand with the legitimate government of the Republic of South Sudan, led by H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit. We have respect for humanity and we will also seek to address our problems through a peaceful way. The claims by the Rebels’ Military Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang that the youth of Khorfulus Community, Pigi County, were behind the attack on Baliet County, that killed 9 civilians; is untrue and a cheap propaganda by the rebels to create enmity among our two brotherly counties,” said Hakim Monykuer Awuok, President, Khorfulus Youth Association, Juba, South Sudan.
“Instead the civilians that were inhumanely killed by the rebels were mainly
from Khorfulus. How could we kill our own people in such a heartless manner as the rebels did? We strongly reject the rebels claim in the strongest terms
possible,” he added.
This is not the first time rebels loyal to Machar are being accused of committing atrocities. United Nations recently reported that rebels killed unarmed civilians who did not welcome them after capturing a town near Bor. Hakim said, “In the history of time, Khorfulus Community has and will never raid cattle in Baliet County. The two communities stayed together in harmony since the time of creation. Khorfulus and Baliet Communities will always live together and stand firm to defend their territories from anybody that touch foot on their soil with an aim of committing crime against humanity and desire to destroy lives and properties.”
I want to send warning signal to the rebels that, the youth of Khorfulus will soon reclaim its territories from them in the nearest future following the recent violation by rebels, by attacking our people and killing innocents souls and destroying properties of the people of Khorfulus in the recent attack,” warned Hakim. “We warn the rebels that the consequences of our retaliation will be massive and unforgettable. Rebels must leave our areas of Nyinthok-Malual and Canal in no time or else we shall force them out of those areas.”