Ethiopian Review

RUMBEK — A member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) was shot by a suspected cattle raider in Rumbek East County of Lakes state on Monday early morning, sustaining a wound to his foot.

Abraham Aniim, age 28 years old, was part of a forcibly recruited unit (commonly known as Derdar). He was shot in the early morning on Monday in Pacong Payam, said an official

Lying on his hospital bed at Rumbek state hospital, Aniim confirmed to Sudan Tribune that he was shot in the morning while heading for the jungle toilet.

He said, “I was walking alone going to the toilet in the forest in the morning at 5 am and I saw a man wearing a non-military uniform carrying an AK-47 gun. I did not confront him and shortly the man opened gunfire on me and actually I fell down crying and he pressed on to end my life. Then I also started defending myself and I fired out two bullets and immediately he ran away.”

In the incident, Aniim was wounded in his right foot and now is admitted at Lakes state hospital surgery ward under serious sweat.

The soldier identified himself as one of the SPLA soldiers brought to Lakes state to carry out the forcible disarmament campaign in all eight counties of Lakes state.

Similar incidents occurred in 2007 to 2008 in Rumbek East when cattle raiders carried out slayings on SPLA soldiers. No charges were ever brought over these crimes.

According to a county official in Rumbek East, the commissioner is hunting for the suspect who shot Abraham Aniim. If the man is found then he will immediately face justice, promised the official.

- Sudan Tribune