Aerial view of Wau town 2013 - Photo by Nichola Mandil/Eye Radio

Security forces deployed in Wau town are harassing the residents, a human rights activist has said.

This week, the state government deployed more forces in Bagari Jedid, Bazia Jedid, Jebel Kheer, and some parts of the town to improve security.

But residents say the forces are not focusing on their assignment.

“The relationship between the community and these security forces is very poor. The way those security forces are doing their works is really a challenge to the community,” said Stephen Robo, an activist with the civil society group, Community for Empowerment for Progress Organization.

“People cannot move at around 7:00 pm freely.”

However, the state government insists that the forces are doing their duty of providing security to the civilians.

Angelo Taban is the local government minister.

“The people of those areas were not sleeping at night; the rebels used to come and abduct youth at night, even the underage. That’s why the town mayor responded.”