By Jacob Onuha Nelson
Officials in Eastern Equatoria State (EES) report that calm has returned to Torit following a recent attack and subsequent clashes that left a top police officer dead.
The violence came amid reports of fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) earlier this week, resulting in the loss of life in the state.
In an exclusive phone interview, John Elia Ahaji, the Minister of Information and Communication for Eastern Equatoria State, confirmed that the situation had stabilized, with citizens resuming their daily activities.
“The situation is normal. People are going with their business. Business activities are ongoing. Cars are moving,” Elia informed the public.
The Minister emphasized that the situation is firmly under control and urged against further anxiety, inviting doubters to witness the return to normalcy.
“The situation is under control. There is nothing for people to worry,” he said, adding, “So for us, the state government, we will make sure that the citizens are protected against any wrong elements who want to destabilize peace. By all means, we assure this.”
The immediate aftermath of the initial attack was described as shocking, but local residents now confirm the situation has stabilized.
Silego Saverio, a technician at Torit State Hospital, recalled the panic but noted the quick return to calm.
“By then, when the incident happened, the situation was horrific where every resident was unhappy when you’re hearing the gunshot. It wasn’t easy. People couldn’t go to work,” Saverio said. “But since yesterday, the situation is normal.”
Similarly, Stephen Okuye, a resident of Matara in Eastern Equatoria State, described the earlier fear, particularly when government forces were patrolling the town.
“People were indoors, not moving anyhow, because I witnessed the situation was appalling and alarming,” Okuye exclaimed. “But now the situation is calm and normal as we are speaking. People are working, and even since yesterday, people were working. The situation is okay.”