South Sudan Minister Accused of Fueling Local Conflict, Denies

By John Agok

South Sudan’s Minister of Parliamentarians Affairs who also doubles as the Acting Secretary General of the ruling party, SPLM, has dismissed allegation that she was behind the ongoing youth fighting in Tumbura Town, Western Equatoria State.

Jemma Nunu Kumba, who hails from Tumbura was accused by the State Governor Mr. Alfred Futuyo Karaba among other four politicians, of ingiting recent clashes between Zande and Balanda youth in Tambura Town.

However, Ms. Kumba disputed the claim in a Press Conference at her office in Juba on Thursday.

She said the Governor has already withdrawn the statement through the state owned television.

“It is now clear that, the Governor has apologized by withdrawing his statement through South Sudan Broadcasting (SSBC),” said Kumba.

The apology comes after the First Vice President on governance cluster; Dr. Riek Machar was briefed on Tambura’s situation by the leaders.

Kumba revealed that, she would be the last person in the Country to incite violence among the communities.

She further denied her influence on ongoing conflict after holding conference with the Communities of Tambura.

The Tambura crisis has so far claimed dozen lives including 13 year-old girl who is believed to have been raped to death.

It has also left houses burned down to ashes and hundred people displaced

The fierce violence was claimed by the governor to have been fuelled by politicians hailed from the area.