The residents of Agok town in Rumamer county are urging the South Sudan Defense Forces’ high command to redeploy the army out of the town days after a shooting that involved them with Abyei Special Administrative Area VIP Protection Unit. Three personnel were killed while four others including civilians were injured.
The residents who spoke to Abyei FM said the army is mistreating them.
Deng Michar (not his real name because of security concerns) said his house was looted and his phone taken from him immediately after the incident that the Abyei Area administration labeled as an assassination against its officials. He said he was worried about the presence of the army near their houses.
While Nyandeng Chol (not her real name) said that some SSPDF elements insulted them, urging the army high command to separate forces from civilians.
In response, the SSPDF commander in Agok, Maj. Gen. Joseph Kwai said the army would leave soon when their new stations are identified. He asked the population not to worry about the army’s presence because they came to protect them.
