JUBA,
South Sudan
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have handed over two National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels to the South Sudan government after they were arrested in Uganda, a senior Ugandan army officer said.
The Spokesperson of Uganda People’s Defense Forces, Brig Flavia Byekwaso, told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that Victor
Batali and Augustine Yakal were handed over during exercises conducted in
northern Uganda last week.
“There had been complaints about these
rebels crossing into Uganda, disturbing the locals and that kind of stuff. So
these ones already fell in a trap that had been set. These ones were held
because of the complaints that have been repeatedly reported to the
authorities. So when these ones were seen, they were apprehended,” she said.
She added, “This is a joint mechanism
between the two countries but generally between all countries, that when one
crosses and is apprehended in one country, he or she handed over back to the
authorities. And now the recognized authority is the government.”
According to Flavia, the safety of the
two rebel members is the responsibility of the South Sudan government.
“Our responsibility is to hand over
people that are believed to be South Sudanese to the government. The government
is responsible for them. Whether they are rebels or not rebels, they are under
the responsibility of South Sudan’s government,” she said.
When contacted, the spokesman of the
South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), Brig Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said:” I
am not in a position to comment on the matter.”
Suba Samuel Manase, the spokesperson of
the rebel group National Salvation Front (NAS) could not immediately be reached
for comment.
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