The administration reaffirmed its commitment to peace initiatives and confidence-building measures, announcing that investigations are underway.

By Riak Chol

The Government of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has strongly condemned recent attacks on villages in Jonglei State, describing the violence as criminal and warning against interpreting the incidents along ethnic lines.

Recently, Jonglei state authorities reported cases of attacks by cattle raiders believed to be from GPAA, including the recent raid in Baidit Payam on Tuesday.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, February 11, the GPAA Minister for Information, Communication and Technology Jacob Werchum Juok, said: “The (Ministry) is deeply concerned and disappointed by the reported attacks on the villages of Duk and Baidiit in Jonglei State. The incidents are acts of crime that do not reflect the will of the people of GPAA.”

The government stressed that the violence should not be politicized or ethnicized.

“These acts of violence should not be viewed through an ethnic lens,” said Jacob.

According to the GPAA authorities, the region is facing insecurity from an unidentified criminal group operating across multiple areas.

“Our region is facing a threat from an unidentified group of criminals who are causing havoc not only in Jonglei but also in Greater Pibor and neighbouring communities,” he said,

He added that addressing the threat requires a collective effort to put an end to their activities.

The administration reaffirmed its commitment to peace initiatives and confidence-building measures, announcing that investigations are underway.

“We will conduct a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for the crimes in Duk and Baidiit and hold them accountable,” said Jacob “we have already arrested three suspects directly linked to the Duk incident.”

Under the leadership of Chief Administrator Gola Boyoi Gola, the GPAA government underscored the importance of cooperation between neighboring administrations.

Minister Werchum noted that lasting peace and security “can only be achieved through cooperation, collaboration, and coordinated action,” and called on Jonglei authorities to remain calm as investigations continue.

He appealed to the national government for additional support in strengthening law enforcement capacity.

“We appeal to the national government for support in strengthening the capacities of law enforcement agencies in both GPAA and Jonglei to effectively combat crime and ensure lasting peace,” werchum said.

Utilities

“Our region is facing a threat from an unidentified group of criminals who are causing havoc not only in Jonglei but also in Greater Pibor and neighbouring communities,” said  GPAA Minister for Information, Communication and Technology Jacob Werchum Juok.