--- PRESS RELEASE ---Police Killings in Western Equatoria

Date: 6th November 2007
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

USSP would like to make the following statement to the South Sudanese people in response to the recent shooting by the JIU (Joint Integrated Unit) in Yambio, Western Equatoria State (WES), that claimed the lives of three senior police officers, and the malicious allegations that have been fabricated by some elements who do not want to be told the truth about the unacceptable state of affairs in Juba (Capital of South Sudan). We would like to confirm that USSP will neither be intimidated nor bullied by any political party that seeks to undermine others for their personal gains.

As a party, we urge that the transformation from war epoch to peaceful democratic South Sudan is now imperative than any other time before so as to enable the people of South Sudan to realise their aspirations for a free, independent, democratic South Sudan in which there will be no room for tribalism, nepotism, favouritism, corruption and the abuse of power.

We refute the propaganda that has been orchestrated against USSP that it is linked to “the CIA” or a branch of SSDF (South Sudan Democratic Forum) of Mr. Bona Malwal or connected to the newly formed party of Mr D. De Chan. We challenge those responsible for this malicious propaganda to come forward with any evidence they may have to prove their allegations, otherwise USSP is prepared to take further action on this matter. We confirm that USSP has no connection whatsoever with the so-called “CIA” or any other political groups in Sudan. We rely on ourselves and the people of South Sudan for any material or human support. This is because we do not want to give allegiance to any one other than the people of South Sudan so that we are able to focus on our goal -- the independence of South Sudan.

We strongly condemn the barbaric attack carried out by some lawless elements in the JIU stationed in Yambio, WES, on Sunday 4th Nov. 2007, in which three senior police officers were murdered while carrying out their national duty; may their souls rest in peace. In condemning this criminal behaviour we call upon the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) to take tough and appropriate measures to bring those responsible for the killings to justice. In addition to any criminal investigations that may be underway, we demand a full and comprehensive public enquiry into the conduct of the JIU in WES and the consequent killings of the three police officers forthwith.

Furthermore, we strongly recommend that the JIU forces stationed in WES or any other parts of South Sudan must consist of different ethnic groups so as to maintain balance in the force. We understand that the JIU forces in WES are mainly from one ethnic group; this is abnormal especially when such forces have a history of abuse of power in the past. We demand that the Minister responsible for security and order in GOSS must issue a statement to apologise on behalf of GOSS to the citizens of WES and to explain to the people of South Sudan his rationale for such deployment or otherwise his position has become untenable.


Clement Juma Raphael Mbugoniwia
USSP Leader
Juba - South Sudan
E-mail: clementjuma@tiscali.co.uk
Tel: +249(0)129074675