By Emmanuel Mandella

The County Commissioner of Tombura, Mabenge Mathew Edward, has accused traditional leaders in the region of harboring criminals and perpetuating insecurity. His statement follows a series of violent incidents, including ambushes and attacks, that have taken place in the county.

“I was invited to Yambio to receive the new Deputy Governor. While in Yambio, I received a message warning me not to return to Tombura via the usual route as an ambush had been laid against my convoy. I refused to change my route and requested security forces to escort me back to Tombura. Their presence deterred the attackers,” Mabenge told The City Review.

However, the threat did not end there. Mabenge recounted that a local chief narrowly escaped an ambush while traveling to Yambio, only to witness three Boda Boda riders fall victim to the same attack, leaving one dead and two wounded.

The county has since launched manhunt for the perpetrators after names of the suspects were revealed to the authority.

“A security meeting resolved to form a committee to apprehend suspects. A CID officer from the Balanda tribe led the operation and successfully arrested individuals on the list who were all from his tribe, tragically, this led to retaliation, and his wife was executed in an attack on their home.”

The Commissioner expressed frustration over the role traditional leaders play in the county’s instability stating that.

“The root cause of these issues is the traditional chiefs, they harbor criminals and fail to work towards peace and these chiefs must be held accountable for fostering insecurity,” he stated.

Commissioner Mabenge also revealed that armed groups have exploited gaps in the recent disarmament process which took place earlier in May by the SSPDF.

“Some rebel forces in Tombura went to Nadiangere Payam collected weapons after the disarmament and brought them here, this has enabled criminal activities to continue,” he explained.

Despite these challenges, the Commissioner remains hopeful as plans are underway to host a peace conference in Tombura, although it has been postponed twice. Mabenge believes local authorities, church leaders, and the community are committed to finding lasting solutions.

“My message is clear: we must prioritize peace,” Mabenge said passionately. “If anyone wants to be a politician, commissioner, or traditional leader, let them follow the right channels without shedding blood. Tombura belongs to all of us; we must live in harmony and think about the future of our families.”

Mabenge called on the new Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State Cde Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa and other stakeholders to take decisive action, as the county looks to restore stability.

“We’ve lived together since the 1880s without issues. Let us not destroy that legacy for selfish ambitions.”

As Tombura grapples with these tensions, all eyes are on local authorities and community leaders to lead the way toward peace and reconciliation.