Speaking during a public address in Morobo County on Saturday, the governor urged armed groups operating in the region to lay down their weapons and join the peace process

By Emmanuel Mandella

Central Equatoria State Governor, Augustino Jadalla, has called on citizens in the state to reconcile and unite in support of the government’s efforts to bring lasting peace, especially in the conflict-prone Greater Yei counties. The governor’s appeal comes in the wake of recent violent attacks in Wonduruba and Gangi, which left 19 civilians dead.

Speaking during a public address in Morobo County on Saturday, Governor Jadalla urged armed groups operating in the region to lay down their weapons and join the peace process. “As people of Central Equatoria State, we need to ask ourselves this question, especially here in Morobo: what is our strategic interest in this senseless conflict?” he asked. “Let this question be food for thought for those fighting, supporting, or sympathizing with the armed opposition.”

The governor emphasized the need for collective efforts to end the violence, warning that the ongoing conflict threatens to further destabilize the region if left unchecked. “I want to call upon all the people to join hands with the government in seeking a solution to end the conflict in our state. The sooner we do this, the better. We don’t want parts of our state, especially the four counties of Greater Yei, to remain a theatre of war,” he added.

Governor Jadalla’s appeal follows a surge in violence in recent weeks. In a clash between NAS rebels and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) around the Wonduruba area, where several people were killed including civilians and soldiers, further escalating tensions.

SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai denied the army’s involvement in the civilian deaths, attributing the killings to local militia groups. “The SSPDF is committed to protecting civilians and maintaining peace in the region. We are not responsible for the killings,” Ruai said.

In another alarming incident, five people went missing following an ambush in Ganji along the Lainya-Juba Road last week. State authorities have since directed organized forces to search for the missing individuals and bolster security along the road.

Juba County Commissioner, Emmanuel Tete, recounting the Ganji attack, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation. “Four young men were killed in a road ambush, where they were taken into the forest and murdered. We have recovered four bodies, but others remain missing,” Tete said. “We met with organized forces along the Juba-Yei Road and instructed them to maintain security. We agreed that all organized forces, including myself and the Lainya County Commissioner, would patrol the road to ensure the safety of our people.”

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) also condemned the recent violence, and called for speedy investigations and action.

As tensions rise, Governor Jadalla’s plea for peace resonates with a population desperate for stability. “This senseless conflict must stop,” he reiterated, urging all parties to choose peace over violence. “We cannot allow our state to remain engulfed in war any longer.”

Border meeting

Meanwhile, as part of his round tour of the Counties, on Sunday, Governor Jadalla arrived at Kaya border point where he addressed hundreds of residents and held an administrative meeting with various security organs in charge of security and revenue management at the border.

“The President wants peace. President Kiir doesn’t want war. Those who are holding arms against the government should join the Tumaini peace initiative in Nairobi,” Governor Jadalla told the gathering.

“I want you all to maintain peace among yourselves and good relations because you are all one people. There are Kakwa in South Sudan, in DRC and Uganda. I am sure there are Keliko in DRC and Uganda as they are also here in Morobo or South Sudan so you are all one people,” said Governor Jadalla.

Hon. Data Charles, the Commissioner of Morobo County called for collective efforts in confronting the challenges facing the County.

The Governor also held an exclusive administrative meeting with security organs and officials of revenue authorities manning revenue management at Kaya border point

Kaya Boma, located in Kimba Payam, Morobo County borders Koboko District of Uganda and DRC. It is a very strategic border point and plays a significant socio-economic and political role not only in the State but South Sudan as a whole.

An entrance to South Sudan, following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, most of the imports from East Africa entering South Sudan used to enter through Kaya. At the time the Nimule border was not effectively functional.

However, following the subsequent conflicts in 2013 and 2016, Kaya is among many areas that have been devastated by the conflict. Most people left for refugee camps in Uganda and houses got destroyed.

Governor Jadalla said his tour to Morobo and across the State is to “consolidate peace, unity, security and stability”. He assured the people of the government’s support to the administration of Morobo County to improve the security and economic situation.

“The President wants peace. President Kiir doesn’t want war. Those who are holding arms against the government should join the Tumaini peace initiative in Nairobi,” Governor Jadalla told the gathering.