Kiir vows tough action against those fueling ethnic violence

President Salva Kiir says the government will take action against those who continue to engage in what he terms ‘senseless’ violence across the country.

In his New Year message, Kiir says he is deeply concerned by the incidents of deadly sub-national violence across the country.

The president says the inter-communal violence is eroding the progress made in the revitalized agreement.

“I have publicly spoken about the dangers posed by this violence to gains we have achieved in the implementation of the revitalized agreement,” he said.

Kiir warns those allegedly behind the violence to desist from it or face the full force of the law.

“I have also advised those who are behind this violence to desist from it and this advice has not been listened to.”

“To those fueling this violence, be warned that the government will not sit on the sidelines any longer. We will take action against those who will continue to engage in this senseless violence.”

His remarks come after reports of inter-communal hostilities characterized by cattle raiding and land-related issues in different areas, leading to deaths, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.

In Upper Nile State, factional and communal conflicts have killed hundreds of people and displaced tens of thousands into UNMISS camps and the neighboring countries since August.

Also, on Christmas Eve, ethnic violence, blamed on the White Army militia group from Jonglei State killed 56 people in Gumuruk County of Pibor Administrative Area.

Moreover, inter-communal conflicts have been reported in the Tonj Region of Warrap State, and Mangala Payam of Central Equatoria State in December alone.

Addressing the country in a press statement on Saturday December 31, Kiir further called on communities to choose dialogue to resolve any inter-communal conflict rather than bloodshed.

“If indeed there are issues, between and among neighboring communities that have potential to cause conflict, they can be addressed through dialogue without resorting to communal killings.”