South Sudan Army Arrest 32 Over looting Food Aid

By David Malaak

The South Sudan army has arrested 32 people over the looting of food aid meant for the needy people in Warrap, in the northwest of the country.

The suspects, part of a larger group, including youths, women and children, are implicated in the looting of tons of sorghum from 3 trucks belonging to World Food Program from Ruweng’s Abienom East County last Friday.

According to Mawien Majith, the Executive Director of Abiemnom, the suspects have been transferred to Mayom in neighboring Unity State.

“The people suspected of committing the crimes have been arrested, guns seized from them,” Majith told Juba Echo. 

They are also accused of robbing drivers of 400,000 SSP, 200 USD, 14 bags, 11 phones, 16 mattresses, 14 tents, according to officials.

The trucks were taking food from Unity state to Warrap State when they fell in ambush between “Ariel” and “Awula” in Abiemnom.

 “They came, women, children and youths carrying guns,” Majith said.

“They threatened drivers; beat them with sticks with thorns.”

Out of 13 trucks robbed, 10 were loaded with the sorghum, Majith said.

According to the Director of Communication in Ruweng Administrative Area, Miakol Makuac, about 13 suspects were first picked on Sunday.

Makuac said of all those arrested, the law will take its course while other “criminals will be hunted, caught and brought before the law.”

Mayom County police commissioner, Brigadier General Joseph Dhal confirmed the arrest but noted the suspects were with the army.

Dhal urged the government of Ruweng Administrative Area, Unity state and of the bordering areas to work jointly and address growing armed robbery and killings in Abiemnom.