By The City Review

Upper Nile State governor James Odhok on Tuesday returned to the state capital Malakal following a visit to Ulang and Nasir Counties, where his efforts appear to have raised hopes that sustainable peace will return to the region, especially Nasir Counties.

The governor, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including advisors, Ministers, MPs, and representatives from organized forces, had traveled to Nasir where he held a series of meetings with community and military leaders to discuss ways of forging durable peace in the area.

Upon his arrival at Malakal Harbour, the governor who came by boat, was received by the Deputy Governor Hon. Deng Joh.

Nasir county had recently witnessed armed violence which led to loss of lives. In a briefing about the situation in Nasir County, governor Odhok reported that the discussion he had with the communities and the youth as well as the army in the county had yielded fruits.

Mid-October, the County witnessed a tragic encounter between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed civilians, which resulted into the deaths of three civilians, including a woman, and injuries to at least 14 others, mostly women and children.

James Gatluak, the County Commissioner confirmed the casualty figures, and strongly condemned the attack.

Other than the civilian casualties, Gatluak reported that 13 SSPDF attackers were killed during the confrontation.

In a bid to address the tragic incidences and bring peace and security to the region, Governor Odhok embarked on a counties tour of the state, where he met various leaders, representatives and members of the public as well as security forces.

Speaking at a peace rally in Nasir on Friday, where he was welcomed by the county authorities and the community, the governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing the insecurity in the region.

Community members expressed their needs for basic necessities, including schools and quality healthcare.

Schoolchildren were seen holding placards with messages such as “Governor, please protect us,” “We need unified forces,” and “We need learning materials.”

Governor Odhok reassured the attendees of his dedication to restoring peace in Nasir, saying his visit to the County was a testament to his commitment to the community’s well-being.

The Governor’s meeting came hot on the heels of a visit by legislators from Upper Nile state to the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, where they discussed a new initiative aimed at ending the deadly clashes and insecurity that has plagued the area.

According to the First Vice President’s Press Secretary Puok Both Baluang, the members of parliament intended to visit the two principals, President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, to share their brief regarding the new initiative aimed at bringing peace to the volatile region.

The visit began with the First Vice President, and is expected to proceed to the President.

“The members of parliament have decided to brief the government officials, especially the President and the First Vice President on the comprehensive solution for the insecurity that has been occurring in the county. So, they met the First Vice President yesterday, and he has pledged his support for that initiative,” Baluang said.