For years, Anyuak employees from Akobo have been receiving their salaries in Gambella after leaving Akobo. At no point did Nuer leaders in Akobo demand that they return or threaten to stop their salaries.

Yet today, Omot Omot Agar, an Anyuak leader in Itang, with the support of Alemitu, are demanding that Nuer employees return to Itang despite their security concerns and are threatening to withhold their salaries if they refuse. Expecting people to return before their safety is guaranteed is unacceptable, especially after the recent deadly violence that claimed lives only days ago.

The same standard should apply to everyone. If displaced Anyuak employees can continue receiving their salaries while away from their duty stations such as Akobo and Lare for security reasons, displaced Nuer employees deserve the same treatment until it is safe for them to return.