By Mamer Abraham
Governor of Upper Nile James Odhok Oyai, has urged the people of the state to shun tribal differences.
The governor was speaking during a peace rally in Malakal Stadium on Saturday aimed at building trust and confidence among the communities.
He urged the people of the state to reconcile among themselves and shirk tribal grudges for the sake of peace and security in the state.
According to the gubernatorial press, the dissemination of peace messages by the governor had led to peaceful coexistence in the state capital.
Greater Upper Nile is preparing to endorse Salva Kiir Mayardit as the SPLM Flag bearer for the 2024 elections.
In February, Odhok was instructed by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, during his swearing-in ceremony as the governor of Upper Nile State, to end the conflict in Upper Nile State.
“You have a bigger task ahead of you, especially improving the security situation in the state. The peace that Pope Francis emphasized must be maintained to foster stability and development in our country. I will reiterate again that my government will never return the country to war under my watch,” Kiir said.
The governor pledged to bring peace and stability to the state by holding numerous conventions with the youth not to fuel conflict.
Odhok came to office at a time when Upper Nile State faced numerous challenges related to violent conflict, looting, and dire humanitarian assistance.
The Head of UNMISS and the representative of the UN Secretary-General, Nicholas Haysom, warned against closing the humanitarian corridors and urged the parties to the revitalized agreement to speed up the implementation process.