Central Equatoria governor calls for better security

JUBA – The governor of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State Augustino Jadallah Wani urged newly appointed commissioners on Monday to prioritize security and service delivery in their respective counties.

“For you to be comfortable in your office, make sure the security in your area is stable in all aspects,” Wani told the commissioners, highlighting the challenges posed by insecurity, cattle raids, and environmental factors.

The governor also emphasized the importance of democratic space, calling on the commissioners to open their offices to all political parties.

Wani replaced the commissioner for Kajo-Keji County, Panuel Dumo, who had requested to step down due to ill health.

Central Equatoria State Parliament Speaker Peter Elia Wani echoed the governor’s call, urging the new officials to address the impact of war on the region and bring people back from refugee camps.

“What we want from you is to deliver services to your people; the three counties have been greatly affected by the war that has forced many outs. It is your turn now to provide security and development and make our people come back from the refugee camps,” he said.

The new Yei River County Commissioner, Emmanuel Taban Seme, sought the governor’s support in addressing security challenges.

“It is high time for us to make our people rest. It is only in Equatoria and particularly the Central Equatoria where the civilians were still suffering. What we want from you (governor Wani) is the support, especially in terms of security. If you manage to calm the situation in the counties, you will sleep at night, otherwise you will be restless,” he said.

The three new commissioners for Yei River, Lainya, and Morobo counties were sworn in on Monday. They replaced officials relieved of their duties by President Salva Kiir Mayardit last week.

Governor Wani also urged the commissioners to foster unity among communities and ensure accessibility to their offices.