‘Concerned’ youth group rejects removal of Greater Pibor chief administrator

PIBOR – A youth group describing themselves as “concerned youth” has rejected President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to remove Gola Boyoi Gola as the Chief Administrator of South Sudan’s Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).

In a presidential decree read on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on January 15, 2024, Kiir dismissed Gola – who was appointed in April last year – and replaced him with Peter Zulu Buse.

Gola left the administration on Friday morning and traveled to Juba, where he is expected to hand over the position to his successor and attend his swearing in ceremony.

However, in a statement following his departure, a group of local youth opposed the decision and appealed to the president to reinstate Gola. They argued that Gola’s leadership brought peace and “significant progress” to Greater Pibor.

“We, the concerned youth, women, elderly, People with special needs and school children of Greater Pibor Administrative Area, respectfully reject the appointment of the newly designated Chief Administrator and request that Golla Boyoi Golla be allowed to continue his leadership,” the statement said.

“Under Mr. Golla’s tenure, our region has experienced peace, unity, and significant progress. His leadership has been transparent, inclusive, and widely supported by the community, particularly the youth. Replacing him at this time risks disrupting the stability and development we have achieved,” it added.

The group credited Gola’s leadership with reducing rape cases and child abductions, resolving generational conflicts, and aiding South Sudanese stranded in Dimma, Ethiopia.

“Most important points under his leadership internally within GPAA, the rape cases had completely reduced, Child Abduction, generations fight has completely stopped, rescue of our people in dimma- Ethiopia, Robbery both on roads and homes, adultery cases the lead to death has stopped, peace among communities of GPAA, both women and youth empowerment in business, Free movement within GPAA,” they said.

“We strongly urge you to reconsider this decision as Mother Party members SPLM and allow Golla Boyoi Golla to continue his brilliant leadership for the benefit of our people,” the statement added.

The government has not responded to the appeal, and no reversal of the decision is expected.

Gola, meanwhile, has called for calm and urged security forces in Greater Pibor Administrative Area to maintain stability.

“I urge the youth and the people of Greater Pibor Administrative Area to remain calm. We must respect the decisions made by our president, H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit. He is the same president who supported me in becoming the chairperson of the South Sudan Youth Union and later entrusted me with the responsibilities of Chief Administrator of Greater Pibor Administrative Area,” he said.

“These roles are testaments to the President’s faith in me, and I am humbled by his trust. I also urge the organized forces to maintain the peace and order we have worked hard to achieve,” he concluded.