South Sudan’s Kiir asks Machar to disarm Lou-Nuer
South Sudan arch-rivals, President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his former deputy, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, leader of the SPLM/A in Opposition gazing at each other’s eyes during the peace process in Khartoum in 2018(Photo credit: shared/unknown)
July 3, 2020 (SSNN) – South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has reportedly asked the main armed opposition leader and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to disarm the Lou-Nuer, according to a senior government official.
The request by Kiir comes a few days after the South Sudan army launched disarmament in Tonj South County of Warrap state, after fears of rebellion following the killing of businessman Kerbino Wol last month.
Speaking to South Sudan News Now this evening, a senior government official said the president has asked his first deputy to disarm the Lou-Nuer because they constitute a threat to national security.
“You, the Lou-Nuer have guns. They even have a lot of Machine guns. The government in Juba, and I am talking about the R-TGoNU, sees that as a threat to South Sudan national security,” the official said from Juba on phone.
“In this respect, the president has asked the SPLM-IO chairman and the first vice president Riek Machar to disarm the Lou-Nuer. He is still to respond but we are expecting a response in the next few days. We will assist if needed also,” the official added.
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