By James Innocent
Authorities of Yei River County, Central Equatoria state, have reassured residents that the security situation remains calm despite growing concerns stemming from violent incidents in Sudan that have led to heightened mistrust among the people of South Sudan.
On Sunday evening, Yei’s Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme convened a meeting at the busy Dar Salam Main Market, alongside key government security officials and local business leaders.
This gathering aimed to assure the community that there was no cause for panic as the government actively worked to address the ongoing situation.
Commissioner Taban highlighted the commitment of the authorities to maintain law and order, declaring that any individuals involved in acts of looting or violence against innocent civilians would face the full force of the law.
He called upon all security agencies to collaborate effectively to ensure the safety and security of traders and residents alike in the county.
Abdu Salama Abdullah, the Chairman of the Sudanese Community in Yei River County, expressed gratitude for Commissioner Taban’s proactive approach and unwavering support.
He confirmed that Sudanese traders continue to operate their businesses in Yei town without any disruptions, a testament to the relative peace in the area.
“Nothing happened to us in Yei despite fear of the Sudanese foreigners and we as Sudanese in Yei we appreciate the authorities and the communities of Yei for not taking the law into their hands against us because we don’t know what happened exactly to the mother of the innocent civilians in Sudan,” he said.
Joining the Commissioner on his tour were prominent officials including the Director for National Security in Yei, the Director of the Criminal Investigative Department (CID), and the Chief Inspector for Police in Yei River County.
Their presence was seen as a significant step towards fostering peace, stability, and economic growth in the area amidst the turmoil elsewhere.
During the market visit, Major General Ali Abdullahtif, the police inspector for Yei River County, noted the absence of protests among civilians and military forces following the deadly incidents involving South Sudanese in Sudan.
He further stated, “the situation in Yei is real calm no body injured and lose of properties which is a clear sign of humanity in Yei and I applaud the military forces for not taking side against any Sudanese foreigner because we are one people.”
The visit concluded with a fruitful gathering where Sudanese and South Sudanese nationals shared stories and experiences, fostering a sense of unity and understanding that transcended the concerns of the moment.