Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Police authorities in Jonglei State have confirmed that four people were killed yesterday on the outskirts of Bor town during violent clashes between security forces and armed civilians suspected to be members of the Red Belt group.
According to 1st Lieutenant Akech Mapiou Dau, the police spokesperson in Jonglei State, the incident happened at about 2:40 pm in the Arek residential area, located on the outskirts of Bor town.
1st Lieutenant Akech said clashes erupted when members of security forces deployed at Langar Baar residential area tried to stop some armed civilians from entering the town with their firearms.
He said the security forces were enforcing an order from the state security committee that bans carrying firearms within Bor municipality.
According to him, the armed civilians allegedly refused to comply and started fleeing towards Arek residential area.
They opened fire on police officers during the pursuit, killing one officer.
“According to our information, the incident occurred in the afternoon. It was related to ongoing security concerns involving the Red Belt group around Bor town.
“There had been reports and rumours that members of the Red Belt were attempting to enter the town, and security organs were on high alert to prevent this. There is a standing resolution from the state security committee that prohibits any individual from carrying arms within Bor town,” he said.
Three of the armed civilians, who he claims are associated with the outlawed Red Belt Vigilante group, were later killed as they fled.
“When armed individuals attempted to enter the town, they were stopped and asked to comply with the law. However, they refused and were pursued by security forces. During the pursuit, the armed individuals opened fire on police officers. As a result, one police officer was killed. During the exchange of fire within the community, some civilians were also shot. Three civilians were confirmed dead,” he said.
He said investigations have been initiated to further establish the motive of the armed civilians and to confirm whether they are affiliated with the government-designated rebel Red Belt group.
He also called for calm, saying security has been restored and security forces will provide protection to civilians.
“At this stage, investigations are ongoing to confirm whether those killed were members of the Red Belt group or armed civilians. The authorities are still gathering information from the scene and the surrounding community.
“Movement with arms within Bor municipality is completely prohibited. This applies not only to civilians but also to members of organized forces unless they are officially deployed and registered. Anyone entering the town must leave their weapon at designated checkpoints. Carrying arms into the town without authorization is considered a criminal act and raises suspicion,” he said.
The Red Belt has responded to the allegations made by the authorities.
The Jonglei-based Red Belt group, which describes itself as a community protection force, has been designated as a rebel group by the Chief of Defence of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
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