Heightened military presence in Aweil, South Sudan, raises fears among residents amid potential protests planned for February 14. Local officials defend the deployment as necessary for maintaining order and ensuring public safety, urging citizens to stay calm. Residents express anxiety over the overwhelming show of force and its implications.
Residents in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, are anxious following the deployment of a heavy security presence amid rumors of protests scheduled for February 14. Forces from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), Police, and Civil Defense were seen actively patrolling, eliciting fears within the community about the motivations behind this military buildup.
Local resident Aguer Akok expressed sentiments of fear and uncertainty. “We are not sure what’s happening because every corner is filled with armed forces, and their vehicles are moving throughout the area. They seem to be patrolling to protect civilians, but we don’t know what to expect tomorrow,” said Akok, highlighting the community’s distress.
Another Aweil resident, known as Jonga, suggested that the increased military presence may be linked to rumors of potential protests against the government. “I’m not sure what’s going on. It might be linked to rumors about a regime-change protest scheduled for February 14. There were many forces deployed when I was heading to work this morning,” he remarked.
Joseph Akok Aleu, the State Security Adviser, clarified the situation, stating that the deployment was a precautionary measure in response to potential demonstrations. He reassured residents by saying, “The security forces are deployed in response to the predicted demonstrations expected to take place on February 14.”
The heightened military presence in Aweil has caused unrest among residents, fueled by fears of impending protests. Officials claim the deployment is a proactive measure to maintain order and ensure safety during potential demonstrations scheduled for February 14, with reassurances made to calm public anxieties. Understanding the balance between securing public safety and addressing residents’ fears will be essential as the situation develops.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
