The paramount chief of the Maban community in Juba, Sultan Gabriel Fok, has disclosed that the number of conflict victims from his tribe since December last year is more than 200 people.

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj, Sultan Fok noted that since the outreak of conflict in Juba a year ago more than 200 have died including both civilians and Mabanese who were fighting alongside the government forces in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states.

Fok detailed some of the losses on the basis of his own knowledge but he also complained of inadequate records and negligence by the authorities in record-keeping.

“14 civilians died on the spot here in Juba as a result of Riek incident. More than 20 soldiers died here also. We buried 20 at New Site area those who were brought from Bor. Five also brought from Bentiu died,” he said, detailing some of the losses.  

According to Fok, some of the victims have died while under medical treatment at hospitals in Juba and were subsequently buried in coordination with community leaders. But others who succumbed to their wounds have not been counted.

“When one of them dies in Juba Hospital they immediately call me to bury him or her,” he stated.

Fok called upon the Government of South Sudan to provide means of movement and communication in order to enable Maban leaders in Juba to carry out their duties towards Maban society.

File photo: A ceremony of remembrance for victims of the conflict in South Sudan, 15 December 2014