Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Two people, including a deputy commander of a local defence group and a national security officer, have been killed during an operation by security forces in Bor, the capital of Jonglei State.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at a hotel in the town centre, leading to hours of unrest and gunfire that caused panic among residents.
Bor County Commissioner, Ateny Pech, told Radio Tamazuj that security forces had moved to apprehend leaders of the Red Belt group, which the government has designated a rebel entity.
He said the group’s leader, Leek Mamer, had recently issued a “48-hour ultimatum to attack Bor,” prompting close surveillance.
“On Sunday afternoon, Leek and six other people were spotted in a hotel near the main park,” Ateny explained. “After the security forces showed their presence, Leek ran away, resulting in an exchange of fire.”
Commissioner Ateny said that in the confrontation, the deputy leader of the Red Belt, identified as Thon Kuany Agut-Machar, was shot dead. An officer from the National Security Service (NSS) was also killed and two other NSS officers were injured.
He added that seven other people were wounded, including the hotel owner and a local wrestler. The injured were evacuated to the capital, Juba, for treatment and would later be investigated for any alleged links to the group.
Who are the ‘Red Belt’?
The Red Belt is a community-based defence group drawn from the Dinka Bor community. It came to prominence earlier this year after being accused by state authorities of orchestrating attacks, including one on government troops in September.
South Sudan’s national army subsequently declared it a rebel group.
However, the group’s leader, Leek Mamer, has previously rejected the rebel label. In interviews, he has described the Red Belt as a vigilante force formed to protect local communities and their livelihoods, citing frustration over insecurity and a lack of state protection.
Calls for dialogue
The violence has prompted concern from civil society figures in the state.
Ter Manyang Gatwech, a civil society activist, condemned the violence and called for dialogue to address the root causes of the group’s emergence.
“There is no justification for citizens to die,” Ter told Radio Tamazuj. “This issue of the Red Belt Movement emerged because of frustration with the government.”
“I am afraid this violent extremism will not only be in Bor given the economic hardship. So dialogue is the only option,” he added.
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