December 10, 2014 (RUMBEK) – A car accident in South Sudan's Lakes state Monday left at least 12 policemen in critical conditions.

According to state authorities, the accident, which occurred at Rumbek Central county, involved a police patrol vehicle. Those injured have been admitted at Rumbek hospital.

A police officer, who asked not to be named, blamed the incident on over speeding and wrong overtaking by the police patrol driver.

He said the driver of the police car has been arrested, but no death occurred while the injured were receiving treatment in hospital.

Meanwhile, unknown gunmen reportedly attacked the house of the caretaker governor, Matur Chut Dhuol at Pacong, about 12 miles from Rumbek Central county.

“The group opened fire on the concrete building forcing the governor's wife to flee the house with help from police guarding the residents,” an eyewitness said Wednesday.

Lakes state has been blighted by instability since South Sudan's independence in July 2011 and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan revenge clashes. Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for Dhuol's removal over claims he has failed to stem ongoing violence, although president Salva Kiir ignores these calls.

Dhuol was appointed the caretaker governor by president Kiir in January 2013.

(ST)

December 15, 2014 (RUMBEK) - At least 26 people have been killed in revenge attack that occurred Friday in Lakes state's Cueibet county, an official told Sudan Tribune.

The clashes reportedly occurred between the Pagok and Pathiong clans.

“During the fight, both sides lost 26 people and 62 others were wounded,” said a criminal investigation officer who referred anonymity.

The Pagok, he added, carried out the attack after they suspected that its clan member and the wife were killed by a Pathiong youth.

Activists and traditional leaders blame the state government for allegedly failing to address insecurity in the region and repeated calls for removal of the caretaker governor, Matur Chut Dhuol have been overlooked by president Salva Kiir.

Governor Matur has become increasingly unpopular, with residents refusing to share information on crime-related matters with authorities.

(ST)

December 15, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan on Sunday earmarked up to $700 million for the construction of the 400km road connecting its capital, Juba to Lakes state.

A broken bridge north of Yei on the road to Rumbek (Missionaly Adventures)

President Salva Kiir officially inaugurated the ceremony for work commencement.

“In South Sudan, we want to achieve peace through road development and all of us and we must work for it,” said Kiir, flanked by several officials.

“The construction [of the road] will foster economic development".

China is funding the project.

The Chinese ambassador to South Sudan, Ma Qaing, said construction of the road would enhance relations between the two countries.

“This Juba-Rumbek road is the life line of South Sudanese because it links the country to the west and the north,” he said at the ground-breaking ceremony.

South Sudan's road and transport minister, Kuong Danhier Gatluak said inauguration of the construction project was a step in the direction towards achieving the vision to develop a safe, secure and efficient transportation system for a prosperous nation.

“The mission of the ministry of roads and transport is to serve the people of the country by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, convenient and affordable intermodal transportation system that meets the vital national interest and enhances the quality of life of people today and in the future,” said Gatluak.

Shandong Hi Speed Construction Group, a Chinese construction company, is undertaking the project whose duration was not readily disclosed by authorities.

South Sudan, which has a similar landmass to France, currently has only about 100km of paved roads. In 2012, however, the government unveiled 10 year (2012-2022) strategic plan to build 12,640km of its roads, including over 7,300km of inter-state roads.

The plan also covers the construction of bridges connecting Juba to other state capitals.

(ST)

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December 16, 2014 (RUMBEK) – The caretaker governor of Lakes state, Matur Chut Dhuol has the instructed his finance minister to withhold salaries of the two lawmakers detained in the state since October.

RumbeK North county lawmaker Marik Nanga Marik and his Rumbek East counterpart, Isaac Makur Buoc Apac have been detained without charge.

The state assembly speaker described the governor's new directive to the finance minister as “an extra violation of the constitution”.

“When the governor was leaving for Juba, I received a letter written to the minister of finance and it read freezing salaries that in reference to decree number 32, 2014 for the wave of impunity of two honorable members date,” said Baipath Majuec Relpuou.

In a 11 December letter, the governor also instructed the finance ministry to withhold salaries of lawmakers who also double as state ministers.

But the speaker insists the governor's move was “abnormal” since the two suspended MPs have not yet been charge for any crime.

He also expressed concerns about the families of the two lawmakers, saying it was improper for authorities to withhold their payments.

According to the speaker, the assembly has written to the Council of States members in the national parliament seeking their intervention.

Activists and traditional leaders blame the state government for allegedly failing to address insecurity in the region while repeated calls for Dhuol's removal have been overlooked by President Salva Kiir.

(ST)

LAKES STATE GOVERNOR LETTER

December 22, 2014 (RUMBEK) – Two people were killed in another revenge attacks, which occurred in South Sudan's Lakes state on Sunday, local officials said.

The Thuyiic and Gony clans reportedly clashed in Rumbek East on, resulting in the deaths of a student and a pastoralist.

“We suspect this killing to be part of the daily revenge attacks which has been going on in Rumbek,” a police officer told Sudan Tribune.

Lakes state authorities, however, claim attempts to investigate and arrest perpetrators have been frustrated by citizens will not share relevant information with security agents.

Lakes state has been blighted by cattle raiding since South Sudan gained independence from the north in July 2011, and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan clashes and revenge killings.

Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the removal of the caretaker governor Matur Chut Dhuol amid claims he has failed to stem the violence. However, president Salva Kiir has so far overlooked the calls.

Dhuol was appointed in January 2012 after president Kiir sacked the elected governor.

(ST)

December 25, 2014 (RUMBEK) – There was low turn-out among congregations attending church services in the Lakes state capital, Rumbek on Thursday.

Map detail of South Sudan showing Lakes state in red

Heavily armed security forces occasionally patrolled Rumbek streets and surrounding areas to avert possible insecurity threat.

Statistics from Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials point to a rise in cases of revenge attacks in the region.

On Wednesday, unknown people reportedly killed a person in Rumbek East county.

“There is continuous fear in Rumbek. On Wednesday, a motorcyclist was killed inside Rumbek town despite the security deployment. We are confused on what to do since the host communities continue not to share security-related information,” said a security officer who requested anonymity.

Lakes state has been blighted by cattle raiding since South Sudan gained independence from the north in July 2011, and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan clashes and revenge killings.

Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the removal of the caretaker governor Matur Chut Dhuol amid claims he has failed to stem the violence. However, president Salva Kiir has so far overlooked the calls.

Dhuol was appointed in January 2012 after president Kiir sacked the elected governor.

(ST)

December 26, 2014 (RUMBEK) – A pastoralist was killed when unknown people attacked Ayen village in the Lakes state, authorities told Sudan Tribune.

Thursday's incident was confirmed by a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer. He blamed communities for not sharing security-related information authorities.

“It is correct. 27-year old Bol Riak Ruop was killed and the suspect is still being searched for,” said the officer, who preferred anonymity.

Ayen village is located about 4km north of Rumbek Central county.

Meanwhile, recent statistics from CID officials point to a rise in cases of revenge attacks in the region. On Wednesday, for instance, unknown people reportedly killed a person in Rumbek East county.

“There is continuous fear in Rumbek. On Wednesday, a motorcyclist was killed inside Rumbek town despite the security deployment. We are confused on what to do since the host communities continue not to share security-related information,” further said the CID officer.

Lakes state has been blighted by cattle raiding since South Sudan gained independence from the north in July 2011, and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan clashes and revenge killings.

Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the removal of the caretaker governor Matur Chut Dhuol amid claims he has failed to stem the violence. However, president Salva Kiir has so far overlooked these calls.

Dhuol was appointed in January 2013 after president Kiir sacked the elected governor.

(ST)

December 27, 2014 (RUMBEK) – At least 44 people were killed and 31 others wounded in fresh inter-clan clashes in Lakes state, authorities said.

Saturday's incident reportedly occurred in Rumbek East county.

Separate clashes, a police officer said, occurred between Kok-Awac and Kok-Keer in Panawac village, resulting into five deaths.

“Five SPLA [South Sudan army] soldiers were attacked and killed by armed youth when the army attempted to separate them,” said the officer, who preferred anonymity.

Meanwhile, more lives were reportedly lost in separate clashes between the Gony and Thuyic clans in Panbarkou. The two clans have have been locked into cycle of revenge since a paramount chief was murdered by a Thuyic clan member in August.

The police say the death toll from these clashes could significantly increase.

Lakes state has been blighted by cattle raiding since South Sudan gained independence from the north in July 2011, and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan clashes and revenge killings.

Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the removal of the caretaker governor Matur Chut Dhuol amid claims he has failed to stem the violence.

Dhuol was appointed in January 2013 after president Kiir sacked the elected governor.

(ST)

December 27, 2014 (JUBA) – Three people were killed when herders from South Sudan's Lakes state drove their animals into neighbouring Western Equatoria state, officials said Saturday.

The map of Western Equatoria in red

David Farajallah, a local administrative officer, said Friday's incident occurred in Mudubai payam, about 4km north of Maridi county in Western Equatoria state.

“A brother to Taban Gode, a business person who owns liberty lodge in Maridi town, was injured in the raid in which three other people were killed, one of whom was identified as a member of Mundari tribe from Central Equatoria state,” he told Sudan Tribune by phone.

Farajallah said residents were saddened by the "barbaric" killings.

“They [people] are upset because this is not the first time such incident had taken place and the national government has done nothing but watch while the elasticity of endurance of the citizens is being stretched, especially for communities that have suffered the gruesome fate of murder by the herdsmen,” added the official.

The onus, Farajallah stressed, was on the government to control the influx of pastoralists from Lakes state who were a source of insecurity.

The local government official also said he received reports from the area locals, who claimed the attackers allegedly vandalised farms and yam barns, raped women and burnt houses before fleeing.

“All these followed attempts by the villagers to make the herders take their cattle off farmlands that had come under devastation, as crops were destroyed by the animals and people's efforts and investments were being laid waste”, he said.

Multiples sources in the area also confirmed the incident, which they mainly attributed to conflicts between farmers and cattle herders. All these issues were due to struggles for grazing land and water points.

Sudan Tribune could not independently verify the authenticity of these allegations as neither the county commissioner nor the state government made statements.

(ST)

December 27, 2014 (RUMBEK) – At least 53 people have now been confirmed dead following clashes that occurred in Lakes state's Rumbek East county, authorities said.

An officer who spoke to Sudan Tribune on condition of anonymity said security forces deployed in the tense areas has started deserting their areas of operation.

"It is the deadliest year in Rumbek and the public have lost trust in the government. Now most operation police forces deserted their areas of deployment in Pacong, Panawac and Malek-agok fearing attacks from armed pastoralists," said the officer.

"The youth in the village do not respect police because they describe the police as forces of the caretaker governor Matur Chut Dhuol," he added.

At least 44 people were killed and 31 others wounded in fresh inter-clan clashes in Lakes state, authorities said. Saturday's incident occurred in Rumbek East county.

A separate reportedly occurred between Kok-Awac and Kok-Keer in Panawac village.

Lakes state has been blighted by cattle raiding since South Sudan gained independence from the north in July 2011, and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan clashes and revenge killings.

Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the removal of the caretaker governor Matur Chut Dhuol amid claims he has failed to stem the violence.

Dhuol was appointed in January 2013 after president Salva Kiir sacked the elected governor.

(ST)

December 30, 2014 (JUBA) – At least 35 were people were confirmed dead following Saturday's inter-clan fighting in South Sudan's Lakes state, authorities said Tuesday.

Dhieu Wal, the minister of information in Lakes state government, said they were yet to obtain the exact numbers of those killed.

“The death toll is between thirty and forty and the wounded are about thirty eight or more,” said Wal, speaking by phone from the Lakes state capital, Rumbek.

The clash involved youths Gony and Thuyic clans of Lakes state's Rumbek East county. Wal said revenge killings between the two clans started in September when a paramount chief was killed.

The minister said these clashes have so far caused the highest casualties in history.

Lakes state's governor, Matur Chut Dhuol reportedly visited the area to restore order.

“The governor met the two groups separately that they should stop the fighting, to stop the bloodletting because fighting has no benefit,” said Wal, adding that “civilians here are heavily armed.”

Other sources, however, put the death toll from the inter-clan confrontation at 53.

(ST)

December 31, 2014 (RUMBEK) – The governor of South Sudan's Lakes state, Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol has sacked his entire cabinet, the state-owned Rumbek FM-98 reported on Wednesday.

Lakes state governor Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol (ST)

Dhuol, in a separate decree, appointed Martin Anyuon as the Rumbek East county commissioner replacing Madong William Mading who recently resigned following inter-clan clashes between the Gony and Thuyic clans.

In addition to his advisors, Dhuol also maintained the commissioners of Yirol East, Awerial, Wulu, Cueibet, Rumbek Central and Rumbek North counties.

The decree did not explain why these new changes were made.

Lakes state has been blighted by cattle raiding since South Sudan gained independence from the north in July 2011, and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan clashes and revenge killings.

Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the governor's removal, amid claims he has failed to stem violence.

Dhuol was appointed in January 2013 after president Salva Kiir sacked the elected governor.

(ST).

January 5, 2015 (RUMBEK) – The caretaker governor of South Sudan's Lakes state, Maj. Gen Matur Chut Dhuol has appointed George Kuac Dhieu as the new Yirol West county commissioner.

Dhieu replaces Col. Majak Ruei Angong who was sacked last week.

The commissioner's appointment was met with mixed reactions from the Rorkech community, saying it undermined their contribution in the country's liberation struggle.

Youth from the community, in a protest letter, claimed nobody from among them has ever been appointed commissioner for Yirol West, thus undermining their society roles.

On December 31, 2014, the caretaker governor sacked his entire cabinet and some commissioners, but gave no reason for the impromptu decision.

Lakes state has been blighted by cattle raiding since South Sudan gained independence from the north in July 2011, and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan clashes and revenge killings.

Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the governor's removal, amid claims he has failed to stem violence.

(ST)

January 6, 2015 (RUMBEK) – The caretaker governor of Lakes state, Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol announced his new cabinet on Monday amidst criticisms from youth and the elderly.

Gordon Maker Manyiel, Wuol Agang Madhek and Daniel Chol Koknyin are among the new faces featuring on the new cabinet list. Madhek, the youth and sports minister was opposed on ground that he lacked enough experience and was still single.

“The new [youth and sports] minister is widely believed to be primary eight students and he did not hold and position in the past,” a youth activist told Sudan Tribune.

Meanwhile, Daniel Kuol Ayulio was appointed minister of finance, trade and industry replacing his former boss, Joseph Maker Dit.

Dhieu Wal Takpiny is the new minister for information and communication while Philip Kot Job takes over the agriculture, forestry and animal resources ministry.

Monica Achol Abil Aguek was appointed minister for public service as Ezekiel Thiang Mangar took over the gender and social welfare ministry. Others are Jok Ayom Majak (local government), Dut Makoi Kuok (education), Gordon Maper Manyiel (health), Abraham Mayen Kuc (physical infrastructure) and Mariam Paul Jebi (parliamentarian affairs).

(ST)

January 8, 2015 (RUMBEK) – A campaign for peace in Lakes state was on Tuesday launched by the Episcopal Church of South Sudan in collaboration with the Committee for Peace and Reconciliation.

Daniel Deng Bul, the Episcopal Church Archbishop called for the restoration of peace and stability in the region blighted by conflict.

The campaign targeted Pacong and Akot payams as well as the conflict-affected Rumbek North, Rumbek Central and Cueibet counties.

Meanwhile, unknown gunmen on Sunday shot and killed a pastoralist and a businessman, a police officer told Sudan Tribune by phone Thursday.

“Among the victims killed was a bread maker and a pastoralist who died in a revenge cycle action,” said police chief, Isaac Mayuom.

He appealed to the population to cooperate with the law enforcers as part of efforts to minimise the high crime rate in Lakes state.

(ST)

January 8, 2015 (RUMBEK) - Thousands of people turned-out in Lakes state's Yirol West county on Wednesday to witness the burial of Isaiah Kulang Mabor, a veteran political who passed away early this year.

Lakes state governor Matur Chut Dhuol speaking at the burial of late Isaiah Kulang Mabor, January 7, 2014 (ST)

Mabor, 77, died of sickness from the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.

Hundreds thronged the funeral, including parliament speaker, Magok Rundial, ambassador Telar Ring Deng and Lakes state governor, Matur Chut Dhuol.

Many Mabor as a “nationalist” and “pro-democracy” leader.

Governor Dhuol, while speaking at the occasion, urged the public to rebuild trust in their government to foster peace and reconciliation.

“This funeral of late Kulang united us together, we need reconciliation. I urge the public to regain the trust in the government of Lakes state," said Dhuol.

"Peace is the overall solution to your differences,” he stressed.

Prior to his death, Mabor was chairperson of the committee for public service and natural resources in Parliament's Council of States.

(ST)

January 12, 2015 (RUMBEK) – The caretaker governor of South Sudan's Lakes state, Maj. Gen. Matur Chut Dhuol survived on Saturday an ambush after gunmen fired at his convoy.

Lakes state governor Matur Chut Dhuol speaking at the burial of late Isaiah Kulang Mabor, January 7, 2014 (ST)

The incident, a security officer told Sudan Tribune, occurred between Lakes state's Bharnaam and Mangarthou cattle camps.

He described the attack as the “worst ever” targeted at the caretaker governor.

“We need extra effort to restore confidence in the public to trust the state government leadership,” the officer, who preferred anonymity, said.

The attack occurred as Dhuol returned from Yirol West county after attending the burial of Lakes state veteran politician, Isaiah Kulang Mabor.

According to eyewitnesses, Dhuol's body guards used weapons seized from the attackers, while one of the captives was being held at Lakes state prison.

The governor reportedly escaped unhurt, although state security officials declined to disclose what transpired during the ambush.

There have been calls from civil society activists, intellectuals, lawmakers and traditional leaders for president Salva Kiir to relieve the governor, but these calls have been ignored. Dhuol was appointed in January 2013 to replace elected governor Chol Tong Mayay.

(ST)

January 13, 2015 (RUMBEK) - At least eight people were killed and two others, including a paramount chief injured, in an attack in Lakes state Cueibet county, officials said.

A police officer, who asked not to be named, claimed members of Waat clan attacked neighbouring Panyar clan in Tiaptiap payam.

“This was very sad. We have seen five women, two men and a small child killed. All of them were killed inside the house,” said the officer on Monday.

"Two other people, including paramount chief Marial Chilep, were injured," he added.

Lakes state has been embroiled in a cycle of revenge attacks with many blaming the state government for allegedly failing to curb insecurity.

The situation recently worsened when a joint force of the police and military withdrew from all hotspots in the state, claiming they had no way to collect information due to community's failure to cooperate.

Data from Lakes state Criminal Investigation Department reported an increase in crime-related incidences within the volatile region.

The attack comes barely a day after caretaker governor Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol survived a deadly ambush staged by angry youth.

The incident, a security officer told Sudan Tribune, occurred between Lakes state's Bharnaam and Mangarthou cattle camps and described the attack as the “worst ever”.

(ST)

January 13, 2015 (RUMBEK) - Lawmakers from Lakes state on Monday boycotted the swearing-in of new ministers appointed by the caretaker governor, Matur Chut Dhuol.

Only relatives and friends attended the state secretariat swearing-in ceremony.

Dhuol, in his address, encouraged the newly appointed ministers to deliver services to population and help quell down rising insecurity.

“I call upon state and international media operating in Rumbek to preach for peace and reconciliation instead of projecting negative image of Lakes state,” he said.

Lakes state government has been criticised for attacking media freedom, as journalists considered critical of the state have either been arrested or detained by authorities.

Last week, Dhuol was openly criticised following the appointment of his cabinet. The critics, mainly youth and the elderly, questioned the composition of the new cabinet.

They claimed Wuol Agang Madhel, the new youth and sports minister lacks experience.

(ST).

January 13, 2015 (RUMBEK) – The deputy governor of South Sudan's Lakes state, Santo Domic admitted on Tuesday that the region was experiencing rising cases of insecurity, hampering crop harvest.

Map detail showing South Sudan's Lakes state in red

The official, in an interview with Sudan Tribune, cited revenge and targeted killings as having affected activities in Lakes state.

“The insecurity has risen and the public turned its back to government by refusing to share information related to insecurity with security forces on ground,” said Domic.

“The common causes of death are from revenge and target killings influential figure within Lakes state communities,” he added.

He said the growing levels of insecurity have hampered development.

Lakes state has been embroiled in cycles of revenge attacks with many blaming government for allegedly failing to curb insecurity.

The situation recently worsened when a joint force of the police and military withdrew from all hotspots in the state, claiming they had no way to collect information due to community's failure to cooperate.

Data from Lakes state Criminal Investigation Department reported an increase in crime-related incidences within the volatile region.

The deputy governor warned the population against too much involvement in inter-clan clashes and continuous cycle of violence.

“There are no chances for indigenous people to look after their livelihood and of course this has affected the economy,” he said.

Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the removal of governor Matur Dhuol amid claims he has failed to stem the violence, but President Salva Kiir has overlooked these calls.

Dhuol was appointed in 2013 after president Kiir sacked elected governor Chol Tong Mayay.

(ST).