Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Bor Community Youth Association (BCYA) in Juba has condemned what it described as the “senseless killing of innocent civilians” by security forces deployed at Lang Bar in Bor Town on Tuesday.
The condemnation follows confirmation from police in Jonglei State that four people were killed during violent clashes between security forces and armed civilians suspected to be members of the Red Belt group on the outskirts of Bor town.
In a statement issued on 24th December and seen by Eye Radio, the youth body said the victims were innocent and had no connection to any criminal activity.
The BCYA accused the security forces of killing unarmed civilians, calling it a “gross violation of human rights, a failure of professional duty, and betrayal of the very mandate entrusted to police to protect civilians.”
The statement also alleged that forces deployed at Lang Bar have committed multiple crimes, including intimidation, harassment, and the “recent looting of mobile phones alleged to have belonged to the Vigilante Red Belt group.”
The youth body called for thorough, independent, and transparent investigations into the killings and other related abuses, as well as the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible under the law.
However, the BCYA urged community members to remain calm and allow the matter to be pursued through legal channels.
According to 1st Lieutenant Akech Mapiou Dau, police spokesperson in Jonglei State, the incident occurred at about 2:40 pm in the Arek residential area on the outskirts of Bor town.
He said the clashes erupted when security forces deployed at Lang Bar residential area tried to stop armed civilians from entering the town with firearms, enforcing an order from the state security committee that bans carrying weapons within Bor municipality.
“The armed civilians allegedly refused to comply and opened fire on security forces before fleeing towards Arek residential area,” Lt. Dau said.
One officer was killed while three of the armed civilians, whom authorities claim are associated with the outlawed Red Belt Vigilante group, were later killed as they fled.
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