Eastern Equatoria State governor has apologized for human rights violations committed by soldiers during a disarmament and cattle recovery exercise in Hiyala village two months ago.
Louis Lobong Lojore visited the Maya kingdom on Sunday to offer an apology to Lotuko King David Oyalala during purification rituals performed to cleanse the palace and reinstate the throne after the organized forces searched the royal residence and manhandled the king, Radio Emmanuel reported.The governor told the press Monday that the crimes committed by the soldiers against the King were not intended by the state.
Mr Lobong urged King Oyalala to use his powers to help the government fighting cattle rustling.
The state minister for information and telecommunication Felix Otuduha Siro, who was Torit County Commissioner at the time, said some soldiers who committed crimes in Hiyala have been arrested to face the law.
He said the government respects the King and pledged to work in harmony with the traditional Lotuko institution.
A woman and two girls were reportedly raped, money and other property looted by soldiers during the disarmament exercise in Hiyala.