By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Appearing publicly for the first time since his removal as Kajo-Keji County Commissioner, Christopher Lisi has urged unity and togetherness to mend the social fabric fractured by over five years of conflict in the county.
Lisi, a member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), the country’s main opposition party, was succeeded by Wani Jackson Mule.
While welcoming the new commissioner at the County Headquarters in Mere, Kajo-Keji County, Lisi stated that despite their differing political affiliations, he is prepared to collaborate with Commissioner Jackson to achieve peace, unity, and security—the key aspirations of Kajo-Keji citizens.
Former Commissioner Lisi, who served for eight months, noted that he assumed leadership during a challenging period of declining security.
“Our people need to cooperate with the new commissioner, just as you supported me,” Lisi remarked. “Changes occur in government, and I hold no grievances against Jackson. Our primary objective is service delivery to the people of Kajo-Keji, not our individual interests. But work must continue and if we can work together and restore order in Kajo-Keji, we will have no problems.”
He further added that despite the relative peace in the county during his eight-month tenure, there was still work to be done.
Lisi recalled that upon his appointment, Kajo-Keji County was plagued by armed militants.
However, through coordination between the South Sudan Defense Forces, community leaders, and other stakeholders, areas previously experiencing violence now enjoy relative peace.
“When I arrived as commissioner, holdout groups were everywhere, but today, I can confidently say we don’t have any armed militants in every corner of Kajo-Keji County. If you cooperate with the army commanders and everyone, you will achieve more than I did,” Lisi added.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Jackson lauded outgoing Commissioner Lisi for his courageous leadership from his appointment to the handover, a rare occurrence in the county’s political transitions where former leaders witness peaceful transfers of power.
Commissioner Jackson emphasized the crucial role of traditional chiefs in the local governance structure and his intention to work closely with them, along with reconstituting the County Assembly, to restore peace and security in the county.
“Chiefs are considered native administrators in the local government system. As I assume my duties, I will collaborate with all areas. Just as I will support you in your roles, I expect the same support in return. I am not here to change or remove any chief or civil servant unless their work is not being done,” stated Jackson.
He also appealed to the county’s security organs to work closely with the political wing of the government to restore security and alleviate the suffering of civilians.
“Our citizens are suffering, moving with tears in their eyes, walking with their hands on their heads. Let’s work together to stabilize Kajo-Keji County and end the people’s suffering,” he added.
However, Gen. Julius Tabule emphasized that the success of any leader in Kajo-Keji County hinges on public cooperation with the new Commissioner. Gen. Tabule held the citizens of Kajo-Keji County accountable for the current state of affairs.
“For any positive development in Kajo-Keji County, unity is essential. If negative events occur, as they have in the past, we, as sons and daughters of Kajo-Keji County, must be held responsible. Therefore, for Jackson to succeed, we must support him so that he can restore the county to its previous status,” said Tabule.