Western Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communication Elia Usini Dominic condemned the incident and called for collective community action

By Emmanuel Mandella

Families of two men who mysteriously disappeared between Ezo County and Source Yubu Payam of Tombura County are asking the government of Western Equatoria State (WES) to help them trace their kin.

Wilson Elias Parakiti, an air operations assistant with United Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and Rooney Samuel Omar, a boda boda rider, were last seen traveling between the two locations earlier this month. Their mysterious disappearance has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about security in the area.

Responding to the incident, Western Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communication Elia Usini Dominic, confirmed the incident and assured the public of government’s commitment to finding answers.

“The government is working tirelessly to determine what happened and to identify those responsible for their disappearance,” Usini told The City Review.

He condemned the incident and called for collective community action. “This is not good for us as a community. We must work together to uncover what happened and bring them back.”

Speaking to the City Review, Wilson’s brother, Simon Parakiti, who is also a member of the State Transitional Legislative Assembly, revealed details of his sibling’s last known movements.

“Wilson traveled from Yambio to Source Yubu for medical treatment. He stayed there for three days and called us on August 6, saying he was returning home through Ezo. Since then, we have not heard from him,” Simon said. The family, desperate for answers, has reported the case to police, National Security, and UNMISS but is yet to receive any updates.

Further, Simon appealed directly to the WES government for support. “We need help locating my brother. We have waited too long without any answers,” he pleaded.

For his part, Ezo County Commissioner Abel Sudani admitted that local authorities were initially unaware of the disappearance.

“We only learned of the case on December 24 when the family reached out,” he said, urging the public to cooperate in the investigation. Similarly, Tombura County authorities have joined the search, calling on the community to assist in uncovering the truth.

Tombura County Commissioner Mabenge Mathew added: “We condemn such actions and stress that all South Sudanese have the right to move freely,”

The incident has sparked widespread concern in Western Equatoria State, where locals are now questioning their safety and security.

“If two men can disappear without just like that, without a trace, what does that mean for the rest of us?” asked a worried resident in Ezo.

As investigations continue, the family of the missing men holds onto hope for answers. The public is watching closely, with many demanding that the WES government deliver on its promise to uncover the truth behind the tragic disappearance and ensure justice for the families.

“If two men can disappear without just like that, without a trace, what does that mean for the rest of us?” asked a worried resident in Ezo.