The caretaker governor said his leadership will prioritize service to the people, attention to their concerns and uniting communities amid persistent insecurity and communal tensions

By Samuel Yuang

Moses Majok Gatluak, the Caretaker Governor of Jonglei State. [Photo: Courtesy]

The Caretaker Governor of Jonglei State, Moses Majok Gatluak, has called on communities across the state to end revenge killings, cattle-related conflicts and other forms of violence, and urged residents to embrace peace, unity and development.

Speaking during his address upon assuming office, Majok said his leadership will prioritize service to the people, attending to their concerns and uniting communities amid persistent insecurity and communal tensions.

“My one and only clear message to the people of Jonglei State is that Jonglei must be one. The state must be united. Jonglei State must be peaceful,” he said.

The governor acknowledged the heavy toll of violence on the state, noting that insecurity has resulted in loss of lives, displacement of families and disruption of children’s education.

He urged communities to reject collective punishment and allow the law to deal with individuals accused of committing crimes.

“If one person commits a crime, do not punish the entire community. Let the law deal with the offender. Let our traditional leaders reconcile our communities, and let our courts administer justice,” Majok said.

He also appealed to young people to stop violence and instead priotitise education, agriculture, fishing, business and other productive activities.

“The hands that carry guns today should be carrying books, farming tools, fishing nets and business equipment,” he said.

Governor calls for security in Bor town

Majok emphasized the need to restore security in Bor, the capital and headquarters of Jonglei State, warning that criminal gangs, robbery, violence and intimidation would not be tolerated.

He pledged cooperation among security and law enforcement institutions, but stressed that security is not solely the responsibility of the government, and called on youth, women, religious leaders, traditional authorities and ordinary citizens to support efforts to protect their communities.

The governor urged residents to report criminal activities, reject violence and protect their neighbours, while emphasizing that security operations must remain lawful and respect citizens’ rights.

Public office is for the people

On governance, Majok said public institutions must deliver essential services and operate with discipline, coordination and accountability.

He identified security, education, healthcare, clean water, roads, agriculture, livestock development, employment and economic opportunities as key needs of the population.

“Public office is not private property. Public money is not personal money. Public resources belong to the people,” he said.

He called on public servants to perform their duties honestly and responsibly, urging officials to communicate truthfully with citizens and avoid making promises they could not fulfil.

Majok also stressed the importance of properly collecting and managing public revenues in accordance with the law, saying resources should be used to improve people’s lives and support development.

He encouraged residents to invest in education, cultivate the land, raise livestock, acquire practical skills and embrace technology as part of efforts to build a productive society.

Women and displaced families prioritized

The caretaker governor recognized the heavy burden borne by women during periods of conflict and called for their greater participation in peacebuilding, governance, business, agriculture and the state parliament.

He also assured internally displaced persons (IDPs) that they had not been forgotten, pledging to work with humanitarian and development partners to support them and create conditions for safe and dignified returns to their homes.

“You are the citizens of this beloved state,” he said, addressing displaced families.

He appealed to communities to welcome displaced people back home and help restore peaceful relations among families and neighbouring communities.

Political leaders urged to protect peace ahead of elections

With South Sudan approaching the December 2026 elections, Majok urged political leaders and their supporters to resolve differences peacefully and avoid violence throughout the electoral process.

According to the caretaker, elections should be based on competing ideas, programmes and leadership rather than the use of weapons.

The governor called on political leaders, youth, women, traditional authorities and religious leaders to work together to safeguard peace before, during and after the elections.

Time for rebuilding is now

In his closing remarks, Majok called for collective responsibility in ending violence, protecting public resources, empowering women, creating opportunities for young people and making government institutions more productive and accountable.

He said Jonglei State should redraft its history from conflict towards a future defined by peace, unity, security, production and development.

“The time for division is over. This is the time for peace. The time for revenge is over. The time for rebuilding is now, not tomorrow,” he said.

Majok pledged to listen to citizens, coordinate government activities and demand accountability, emphasizing that the interests of Jonglei’s people would remain central to his administration.

“Our children deserve peace. Our farmers deserve opportunities and security. Our youth deserve a future, and our displaced families deserve dignity and a welcome home,” he said.

He concluded by urging the people of Jonglei State to unite behind the common goal of building a peaceful and prosperous state, calling on all communities to make peace the foundation of their future.

Utilities

“If one person commits a crime, do not punish the entire community. Let the law deal with the offender. Let our traditional leaders reconcile our communities, and let our courts administer justice,” Caretaker Governor of Jonglei State, Moses Majok Gatluak.