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South Sudan government in control despite 'terrorist' highway attacks

South Sudan government in control despite 'terrorist' highway attacks

South Sudan

The South Sudan Transitional Government of National Unity (TGONU) has stated that it is in charge of the country’s security situation despite recent attacks by terrorist elements on major roads.

The government condemned in the strongest terms possible the recent attacks targeting innocent civilians, a situation the government said it was working to resolve as quickly as possible.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in the capital, Juba, Michael Makuei Lueth, government spokesperson and Information Minister, said that those engaged in target killings were not state security forces but dissidents of loyal to ex first vice president Riek Machar.

“They are terrorists and the government will deal with them decisively. The TGONU calls on the IGAD plus and international community to join hands with the TGONU to designate this group as terrorists and support the government of the Republic of South Sudan against these terrorists and their barbaric acts,” Makuei said.

Makuei further dismissed that Juba is not under siege, the allegations by the terrorist groups that they are controlling the higways to Juba is not true.

Africanews correspondent in South Sudan, Deng Machol, reports that tens of people were killed on such roads like Juba – Kejikejji, Juba – Yei, Juba – Nimule and also Torit – Lafon.

30 people killed in an ambush on a South #Sudan-ese highway that connects the country with Uganda and DR Congo – BL

— Steve Kuriigamba (@KuriigambaSteve) October 11, 2016

The recent road attack on Monday, saw unknown gunmen attack public transport buses on Juba – Nimule road. The buses were reportedly set ablaze as passengers burnt in.

Since the July violence, which forced Riek Machar and his forces out Juba, all the highways across the country has became a “scene of targeted slaughter.”

The spokesman stressed that the government will take appropriate actions against those who are perpetuating crimes against innocent civilians and will protect the citizens and ensure freedom of movement within the country.

Govt vows to investigate & bring to justice the people behind the deadly bus ambush along the Juba-Yei and Juba-Nimule roads #SouthSudan

— Radio Miraya (@RadioMiraya) October 12, 2016

More so, he calls upon the international community to bring pressure on Riek Machar’s rebels to embrace peace and abide by the terms of permanent cessation of hostilities.

Makuei assured that the transitional government is committed to the implementation of agreement and calls upon the partners to the agreement to cooperate and hold those enemies of peace accountable.

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