Yumbe Commissioner denies ‘harboring NAS rebels’

Yumbe Resident District Commissioner Hudu Hussein dismissed allegations that he was “harboring rebels” in his area at the Bidi Bidi refugee camp.

Hussein said in a statement after his meeting with the governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, that such allegations were unfounded and should be handled accordingly.

“Central to the resolutions was the manner in which the security issues of harboring NAS rebels, allegedly harboring NAS rebels in refugee camps, sharing security on a regular basis and budgeting for the regular security meetings would be done,” he stated.

“There were allegations, which were not founded, of NAS rebels being in the refugee camp, but our security team established that there is no room to this effect. However, with your team, together we are sure, such issues can be handled.”

The RDC requested the government of Central Equatoria State to dispatch a liaison officer to Yumbe District to carry out verification of travel documents.

“It was also observed that Yumbe district needs a liaison officer who can help in the verification of travel documents, among others. We noticed that you have liaison officers in Moyo, and in Koboko, but we don’t have any here in Yumbe. We hope that you get one, given the size of this district,” he added.

Adil said that most of the resolutions passed by the two countries concerning the border were overlooked.

“Key issues that we need to discuss in our various meetings have remained unresolved,” said the governor.

He stated that the two countries should stop unlawful border encroachment, illegal logging and cattle raiding, among others.

Governor Adil has been calling for the communities in the state to engage holdout groups to lay down arms and join the peace process.

In July 2022, 65 members of the National Salvation Front (NAS) were said to be integrating into the community in Yei River County.

Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa, Yei River County Commissioner, stated that their stay in the bush was having a greater impact on their families.

“We have officially received those who handed themselves over to the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF). They were 65 in number and, of course, some might have returned silently to the community chiefs and perhaps the chiefs did not report them,” Kanyikwa added.

 “(They) said that they left the bush because the fights had had a negative impact on their families, especially children, some who are out of school or in refugee camps. They left the bush to come and put these children back in schools. “

Last month, during the graduation of unified forces, President Salva Kiir Mayardit urged holdout groups to return to the country and join the peace process.

Early this month, Kiir stated clearly that the government would not entertain awarding rebels with ranks.