By Philip Buda Ladu
Central Equatoria State Governor, Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, has urged the people of Lainya County to prioritize peace and stability.
Speaking during a rally in Lainya town on Monday, October 7th, Governor Jadalla conveyed a message from President Salva Kiir Mayardit to the local population.
“The President called on the people of Lainya County to renounce the culture of growing violence which used not to be there and embrace peace and peaceful means of resolving political grievances,” Jadalla told the people of Lainya.
The Governor encouraged armed opposition groups to join the Tumaini Peace Initiative in Nairobi and participate in the peace process.
He also reiterated the amnesty declared by President Salva Kiir in 2017, offering a chance for those holding arms against the government to lay them down.
“The President reiterated that the amnesty he declared in Yei in 2017 when he went to attend the centenary celebration of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan in Yei still holds and those holding arms against the government still have the opportunity to benefit from it,” he added.
Gen. Jadalla’s visit to Lainya County is part of his ongoing tour to the state’s various counties to consolidate peace, unity, security, and stability in Central Equatoria State.
“This visit is important to me and I came with Ministers here so that we can listen and note down your concerns,” said Governor Jadalla. “We want to rebuild the trust between the national and State government with military and civilians “.
He emphasized the importance of security in facilitating development in education, health, and infrastructure sectors.
During the rally, he listened to the concerns of the local population including local authorities, religious leaders, women and youth representatives and pledged to address their needs in areas such as security, education, health, and infrastructure.
The Commissioner of Lainya County, Robert John Morris Lasu, acknowledged the positive changes brought about by Governor Jadalla’s leadership, particularly in improving security.
Lasu however urged the security organs to refrain from harassing locals and to facilitate the return of refugees.
The Commissioner highlighted challenges such as multiple taxation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited healthcare services.
“At my capacity, I made a tour to all the Payams. After my tour, people were happy and I noted what my people needed. My people need security, agriculture, roads, health, and education,” Lasu said.
During his engagements with the local population in Lainya, Governor Jadalla also met with representatives from youth and women’s organizations, who shared their concerns and priorities including unlawful arrests, inadequate healthcare, and the need for infrastructure development.
Catherine Oluku, representing the Lainya Women’s Association, emphasized the need for improved healthcare services and the construction of a women’s center.
“We as women are asking for help because we are suffering especially when we are in labor pain. We don’t have doctors who can carry out surgery. We need help very fast because this is an emergency case,” Oluku echoed.
Governor Jadalla first responded to these concerns by launching the construction of a 17km road connecting Loka and Wuji Payam. He also visited Lainya County Hospital to assess its conditions and needs.
The rally was attended by thousands of people.
His visit to Lainya County symbolizes hope for the local population and demonstrates his commitment to addressing their needs.