By Kei Emmanuel Duku
A newly appointed commissioner of Kajo Keji County, has declared ensuring safety of property and the security of citizens within the county as a prime focus.
Wani Jackson Mule was appointed to the position last week, in Presidential Decree broadcast on the national television, SSBC TV. He replaced Yangule Atanasio, who was appointed after David Lisi Christopher, but relieved three days later, before taking oath of office.
Speaking to members of the press after swearing-in ceremony at the State Secretariat in Juba, Commissioner Jackson highlighted key security challenges facing Kajo Keji County.
Illegal logging activities, persistent cattle raids, and incursions across the border by individuals from neighboring Ugandan districts are major security issues that the commissioner prioritizes to handle during his tenure
He emphasized that these issues pose a significant threat to the ongoing return of citizens from refugee camps, the overall safety and well-being of Kajo Keji residents.
“Achieving security will pave the way for peace and unity among the people of Kajo Keji County,” Commissioner Wani stated.
“A stable environment will then facilitate the effective delivery of essential basic services such as water, healthcare, and education to our communities,” he added.
Furthermore, Wani outlined his intentions to facilitate smooth return of South Sudanese currently residing in neighboring Ugandan districts. To achieve this, he announced plans to rehabilitate and reopen all 115 primary schools, 17 secondary schools, and 45 health facilities throughout the county, ensuring that returnees have readily available access to crucial social services.
The commissioner was sworn into office alongside Emmanuel Laku, a newly appointed Commissioner of Terekeka County.
Meanwhile, during the swearing-in ceremony, Central Equatoria State Deputy governor, Pualino Lukudu Obede, urged the new Commissioner of Kajo Keji County to cultivate strong collaborative relationships with neighboring districts in Uganda.
Lukudu emphasized that the frequent insecurity experienced in the counties has compelled numerous business owners from Kajo Keji County to establish their enterprises in Uganda. This exodus, he noted, deprives Kajo Keji County and the entire state of vital revenue.
“You need to coordinate closely with local government agencies in Uganda and establish mechanisms to discourage our population from seeking social services in foreign countries,” urged Lukudu. “Encourage them to return home. With our people on the ground, we can better protect our border and prevent incursions by outsiders.”
Central Equatoria State governor, Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, stated that the two commissioners were appointed at a particularly challenging time, marked by a deteriorating security situation in both Kajo Keji and Terekeka Counties due to ongoing conflicts between government forces and armed militants.
Jadalla noted that, while both county commissioners, initially belonged to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), recent changes by the President led to their appointment under the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG).
During the swearing-in, the governor directed the new commissioners to prioritize building strong working relationships with army commanders and other security officers on the ground to achieve lasting peace and facilitate the peaceful return of refugees.
“As the state government, our priority is stability. We do not want to hear reports of displacement. We want our people to remain in their villages and cultivate their land. As a government, we will provide you with the necessary support to achieve peace,” Governor Jadalla affirmed.
The Governor further highlighted the detrimental impact of the ongoing conflict on the lives and properties of citizens within Greater Yei, noting that many homesteads are deserted. He also expressed concern over the conflict attracting youth to engage in what he termed “meaningless violence” and directed the new commissioner to prioritize reconciliation among communities.
“The villages are empty. A civilian standing by the roadside appears lost, as if they are not in their own country,” Governor Jadalla lamented. “As leaders, we must ask why conflict persists only in Central Equatoria State. Go and end this senseless war. We want no more war in our state. Engage our youth who continue to hold arms against the government in the bush.”
Governor Jadalla pointed out that while other states in the country are enjoying peace, the citizens of Central Equatoria State are constantly displaced and tormented by their sons and daughters who have become rebels.
He appealed to those still bearing arms to renounce violence and await the election period to peacefully and democratically pursue change without causing further loss of life and destruction of property.
“Why do we embrace war? Who are they fighting for, and for what reasons?” Governor Jadalla questioned. “These are crucial questions our youth must consider before joining any rebellion. As leaders, we must engage our sons, whether they belong to SPLA-IO or NAS forces, in meaningful dialogue for peace.”