Security authorities on Tuesday prevented a press conference by the Wani-led faction of the Juba City Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Juba.
Journalists who had gathered at the venue were informed that
the necessary security clearance had not been obtained, forcing organizers to
adjourn the event.
Chamber Chairperson Stephen Wani Aquilino said the delay
followed requests from security authorities for prior approvals.
“There is a concern raised by some security organs about our
press conference for today and requesting for approvals,” Aquilino said.
“We never experienced that before, because we are a private
sector. This is not a political party […] I'm sure there was an influence
somewhere, because there is a fear, maybe a fear of unknown, of the results of
what is going to take place.”
The briefing comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute. The
Central Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce suspended Marcello Swaka from the
same chamber leadership over alleged misconduct, but Swaka rejected the
suspension as unlawful, citing a High Court ruling that reinstated him. Both
factions currently claim authority over the Chamber.
The Wani-led faction said it would announce a new date once approvals are secured.