Western Lake chiefs welcome state of emergency declaration

Chiefs of Rup and Pakam communities in Western Lakes State have welcomed the declaration of a state of emergency in the area by President Salva Kiir recently after renewed clashes between the two communities.

Pakam Paramount Chief, Jei Aru Mochok, told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the declaration by the president will help reduce the fighting. He added that the only way to discourage further fighting is by disarming the youth on both sides.

“If the guns are collected from the hands of the youth it means the killing will end but if it is not done that means the youth will finish themselves,” he said.

Awuok Chirong, Paramount Chief of Rup community also expressed gratitude about the state of emergency declared by the president reiterating that the greatest challenge facing peace efforts in the area is the spread of arms in the hands of the civilians.

Early last week, President Kiir declared a state of emergency in Gok, Eastern Lakes and Western lakes states after renewed fighting between Rup and Pakam communities in Chueichok area where over 170 people were killed from both sides.