Sarah Cleto, Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State (holding up a stick) addresses members of the NUF in Wau. (-)

Western Bahr el Ghazal governor Sarah Cleto Rial directed members of the Necessary Unified Force (NUF) in the state to stay true to their mandate and desist from inter-communal conflicts.

Governor Cleto, the head of the State Security Committee made the remarks at a general parade of SSPDF troops and NUF at the 5th Infantry Division Headquarters in Girinti on Friday.

The parade was intended to boost the morale of and disengage the peace force from inter-communal violences, amid a land-related conflict at the border with Warrap State.

The security forces were reportedly reminded of their mandate to protect civilians and their properties, as well as defending national boundaries.

Other directives issued in the briefing were for the troops to professionally engage with civilians to address common interests.

“During my speech, I encouraged members of NUF to do everything necessary and professionally to serve the nation ahead of communities they descend from,” Governor Cleto said in a statement on Facebook.

Cross-border attacks between armed men in the state and neighboring Warrap have killed dozens of people, destroyed properties and displaced thousands in the past two months.

On February 5, 2024, gunmen alleged to be from Warrap State raided Tharkueng Payam of Jur River County, killing at least 20 people including high-ranking police, army, and national security officers.

Also on January 18, unidentified gunmen killed four people including a military and burned down several houses in Jur River County, according to authorities.

Meanwhile, Warrap State government said on February 11 that about 110 police personnel heading to Kuajok through Western Bahr el Ghazal for a refreshment training, were ambushed in Tharkueng Payam of Western Bhar el Gazal State.

The attacks are a violation of President Salva Kiir’s January 12 order for an immediate end to inter-communal violence in the Bahr el Ghazal region.