Authorities in Pochalla County, Jonglei state have alleged that the SPLA forces deployed in the area are intimidating civilians.

“I Am actually seeing this is not the first or the second time,” Joseph Okello, the County Commissioner said. “Back when I was here they did the same they were beating about seven civilians at night, but I handled that case because I was there.”

Mr Okello said that soldiers are beating and harassing people at night. He cited one recent occasion when SPLA soldiers were fighting among themselves  and it  resulted in a civilian being wounded in the crossfire.

“Up to this time it is not even taken care of, nobody is asking why he was shot and no one asked those who shot the civilian,” he said.  “It is a repeated case by the military, and yesterday I reported to the relevant authority; the governor and the deputy governor, I also later wrote a letter to the person acting as administrator why those atrocities are committed, is it possible, or should they be prosecuted or not.”

The SPLA spokesperson Colonel Philip Aguer told Eye Radio that he has been in touch with the division commander in Pochalla to insist that the issue of misconduct among the soldiers is addressed.

“I am sure that is not the first complaint from Pochalla to me,” he said. “This is the third complaint, and last time we thought it was resolved because I talked to the commander of Division 8 and they promised that they will send senior officers to go and listen to those complaints. Now what I will do I will again talk to the commander of Division 8 so that they can address the situation and put it to an end.”

Colonel Aguer condemned any misconduct by soldiers.  He said that they must execute their duties as assigned, and observe the SPLA code of conduct while on duty.