Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Hou Akot Hou
Published on 2024-03-03 06:43:47
A land eviction enforcement by police resulted in injuries to some residents living in Kuom village, near Aweil Town in Northern Bahr El Ghazal. The incident occurred on the Aweil-Wau road on Friday morning. The eviction was carried out following a court decision claiming that the site was being disputed by two parties, the complainant and the accused.
The Northern Bahr Ghazal State police spokesperson, Guot Guot Akol, confirmed that there were significant injuries sustained during the resistance from local residents. However, he did not provide specific figures regarding the number of injuries. The eviction was initiated based on a court verdict issued by the high court in Aweil Town on February 21. The police were given directives to implement the verdict on February 22, leading to the eviction on March 1.
Guot Guot explained that the clashes between residents and police resulted in injuries, and those affected were receiving medical treatment at the hospital. He emphasized that the court decision mandated the eviction due to a dispute between the accused and the complainant, without revealing their identities or the specifics of the land dispute.
The residents were not provided with an alternative location to relocate to by the court ruling. Guot Guot mentioned that the police personnel had to retreat to avoid further casualties after facing significant resistance from the residents. He noted that the eviction was carried out solely as an enforcement action.
Local residents accused state finance minister Lual Buola of being involved in the eviction due to a land dispute case at Kuom. Elizabeth, a resident who witnessed the incident, described the forceful eviction by the police, which involved stern warnings, shooting into the air, and physical assault on residents. She mentioned that four young men were severely injured during the confrontation.
There is confusion among local residents regarding the reasons behind the eviction, with some speculating that it could be related to elitism. Attempts to contact the accused finance minister for a comment on the eviction case were unsuccessful as his office manager stated that the matter was in court and a police issue.
The incident highlights the challenges and tensions surrounding land disputes and evictions in the region. The lack of proper communication and alternative solutions for residents facing eviction can lead to violent confrontations and injuries. It is essential for authorities to prioritize peaceful resolutions and ensure the protection of residents’ rights during such processes to prevent further harm and conflict.
Read the original article on Talk of Juba
