BOR – From the attack on traders to several ambushes and terrorizing community gatherings, a well equipped vigilante group dubbed the Red Belt is grabbing headlines in Jonglei State capital Bor, prompting government action.
Clad in military gears including a green top, army trousers and boots, the organized criminal gang is also heavily armed with AK-47 rifles, PKM machineguns and other weapons.
It has sparked security concern in the state capital, following a slew of robberies and other violent crimes.
Unruly youth gangs have been a noticeable problem in Bor from 2016 to 2017 – with some of the most notorious being Ganja Talent, West Coast, Crew or Black Warrior, said James Deng Deng, a resident of Bor, who has been closely monitoring their activities.
Deng said these groups often fought among themselves, stole, or terrorized citizens. But many did not carry guns—at least not initially.
Red Belt is different. It is more heavily armed and have uniforms or emblems. They have been accused robbing people carrying cash and target traders traders from the Bahr el Ghazal region.
They have also targeted a convoy of the Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang, attacked and looted vulnerable women selling fish, ambushed a National Security Service convoy, and most recently attacked a wrestling match between Bor and Yirol East.
Neither the group’s leader nor its objective is unknown.
Government action
On Monday, Jonglei State government condemned “in the strongest possible terms” renewed wave of violent attacks perpetrated by the Red Belt Criminal Group, and charged security agencies with hunting down the perpetrators
In a joint statement, Governor Riek Gai Kok directed all relevant security and law enforcement agencies to take immediate and decisive action.
He further reminded all residents that harboring or aiding criminal elements constitutes a serious offense. “Anyone found cooperating with these groups will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
The government’s statement said Bor County Commissioner and the Town Mayor have been directed to reinforce local laws and strengthen enforcement mechanisms aimed at curbing criminal activity.
“We urge our hardworking National Security Forces and sister security agencies to deploy all available intelligence and operational tools to identify, isolate, and bring the killers of our people to deserved justice,” it emphasized.
Bor Commissioner Ateny Pech urged citizens to cooperate fully with the Military and other security agencies. “Report any suspicious activities, movements, or persons. Your vigilance is key to restoring peace,” he said.
Hon. Minister of Information, Nyamal Lony, reiterated the government’s condemnation of the attacks and expressed deep appreciation to the National Government and the National Security Service for their swift and patriotic response.
