Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Police in the Jonglei State capital Bor have arrested more than 20 young men suspected of engaging in inter- communal violence in Bor. Major General Joseph Mayen Akoon, the Jonglei State Police Commissioner said that Police have arrested at least 20 suspects over violence that occurred last year in Bor town. The fighting was instigated by 2 groups of youths from two sections who were undergoing initiation. It escalated into rioting involving sticks, machetes and gunfire.
“Police managed to contain the situation and are now investigating it, as well as looking for more suspects who are in hiding. He says the suspects will be arraigned in court as soon as the investigations are completed,”
He added that dozens of people were injured, including local wrestling champion, MajurAyuen, who suffered a broken arm, and some members of organized forces who were sent to deescalate the violence and arrest the culprits. He says the injured people have been admitted to Bor state hospital for treatment.
He revealed that the cause of the fighting remains unclear but added that the young men in different age groups from Bor community, especially the youngest set undergoing cultural initiation, often fight to establish superiority.
“We are in the town and in the town there is no need for people to fight each other, it’s completely prohibited. I urge the parents to advise their children, when the children are celebrating, they should be advised not to create problems in the town. Many foreign nationals are in the town like Ethiopians, Kenyans and Ugandans and they don’t know this tradition. We don’t want to disturb people when they are doing their businesses.” Akoon added
At the same time, MalaakAyuen, the Bor County Paramount Chief condemns the incident describing it as unfortunate. “I want to tell the people of Bor that what happened is not good at all. Adults are not supposed to be involved in the fighting of young people. I want the clans that were involved in the fighting to be calm and allow the police to do the investigations.” Ayuen said.
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