General Ajak Ayuen. (Photo: Courtesy).

An activist in Jonglei State has welcomed the reinstatement of Gen. Ajak Ayuen to the special police unit cracking down on gangs and drug dealers, but which is accused of harassing Bor residents over dress code.

On Sunday, the Mayor of Bor Samuel Ateny Pech appointed General Ajak Ayuen to the so-called Town Operation Force.

The order mentioned that General Ajak is mandated to arrest criminal gangs and crews that are disturbing the civil population.

He will also implement orders issued by the mayor banning sticks, guns, alcohol, and Shisha.

David Garang is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Civil Rights Network in Jonglei State.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Tuesday, he said the appointment of Major Gen. Ajak will curtail insecurity in Bor town.

“As an activist, I appreciate the move done by the government and the town mayor for bringing back Major Gen.Ajak to curtail the insecurity in town,” Garang said.

General Ajak Ayuen formerly headed the controversial unit that was also famous for dictating decency in dressing – especially for women and girls.

However, in April this year, a lawmaker called on the Inspector General of Police, to investigate him for allegedly harassing women over dress code.

Young women and girls cried out that Brigadier General Ajak Ayuen stops and harasses them over what he calls ‘inappropriate dressing’.

But Activist Garang said the absence of Gen. Ajak has led to increased crime rates making it difficult for Jonglei citizens to live in peace.

“A lot of crimes happened after Gen.Ajak abandoned his work, a lot of crimes rises and it became very difficult for Jonglei citizens to live in the possible climate,” he said.

“So it was a call from the community and it was a call from the citizens for the reinstatement of Gen.Ajak, to come back and rescue the life of citizens Jonglei. So, this is what’s happening in Bor as you have seen in the letter.”