By Yiep Joseph
The governor of Warrap State, Amb. Bol Wek, has vowed to ensure that the state of emergency is properly implemented in order to meet its target.
Addressing a community gathering on Saturday in Tonj South County, the governor expressed that the government remains committed to bringing peace to the area.
Wek added that his administration remains committed to ensuring that the state of emergency is implemented as stated by the law.
“I will observe zero tolerance towards incitement to violence and complacency in the implementation of the State of Emergency,” he said.
The governor urged the communities to cease conflict, adding that criminal activities such as killings, cattle theft, and cattle raiding resulted in the state of emergency.
The governor revealed that a positive response to the state of emergency as well as the surrender of firearms by civilians remains vital.
Governor Wek urged the youth to cease all activities that incite violence.
Emphasized that with peace, it is easy to proceed with the development program and service delivery in the state.
He shared interest in pursuing the revival of Tonj Technical Institute, the Kanaf textile factory, and the completion of Alexandria University in order to equip the youth with vital knowledge and skills for development.
The governor added that the above project would only be achieved when communities commit and solve disputes through dialogue rather than guns.
On the other hand, Gen. Juma Rehan Deng warned chiefs, youth, and Mijook-wut to refrain from any mischief surrounding the disarmament exercise.
In their address, chiefs, women, and youth welcomed the governor’s call for general disarmament without reservations and supported implementation of the State of Emergency in its full spectrum in order for peace to prevail in Warrap State.
Present at the meeting were the deputy governor, state advisors, state ministers, national & state MPs, former governors, legal counsels, chiefs, women, and youth.
In June this year, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit declared a state of emergency in Warrap State and Mayom County of Unity State, citing escalating insecurity and rising communal violence.
The announcement, made through a series of presidential decrees broadcast on state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), allows for the deployment of additional security forces and authorizes the government to take “all necessary measures” to restore order in the affected regions.
The declaration follows a surge in deadly intercommunal clashes, particularly in Tonj East County of Warrap, where an unknown number of civilians were killed in the last few weeks.
In Mayom County, authorities reported cross-border cattle raids by armed youth from neighbouring Warrap State.
Under South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution, a presidential declaration of emergency must be submitted to the National Legislative Assembly within 15 days for approval.
However, it remains uncertain whether the parliament—currently on recess—will convene to endorse the decision, which is already in effect.
The move places Warrap and Mayom under effective lockdown, with restrictions expected on civilian movement.