Jonglei citizens voice expectations for ongoing governor’s forum

BOR – As the 8th Annual Governor’s Forum convenes in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, citizens of Jonglei State are expressing high hopes for resolutions that address pressing issues, including insecurity, economic hardships, and governance challenges.

The forum, established in 2006 by the Office of the President with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brings together governors from the ten states and chief administrators from the three administrative areas to discuss challenges and strategies for effective governance.

Bol Deng Bol, a Jonglei-based civil society activist and Chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network, called on state governors and chief administrators to prioritize dialogue and proactive planning at the state level.

“I want to call upon the Governors and Chief Administrators to encourage dialogues in their respective states,” Bol told Sudans Post.

“They should initiate a State Annual Forum (SAF) prior to the Governor’s Forum to assess and inform actions on implementation of the previous Governor’s Forum.”

Bol commended Western Equatoria and Jonglei for making progress in improving civic and political spaces but emphasized that other states lag behind.

“Bringing on board political parties, youth, women, chiefs, civil society, faith-based groups, professional associations, and students will enhance the impact of the Governor’s Forum and avoid the tendency of waiting 12 months just to report nothing,” he added.

Jonglei residents are also raising concerns over specific issues they hope the forum will address.

Deng John Jurkuch, a resident of Chuei-Atembeny, said resolving insecurity between Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) should be a top priority.

“As a citizen of Jonglei State, I expect the insecurities between the states of GPAA and Jonglei State to be dealt with. The two governments have tried several times to negotiate peace but failed,” Jurkuch said.

He also urged the national government to support state authorities in implementing security measures and finding solutions to the recurring violence.

“The Governor of Jonglei State should tackle the issue of gangs in the state capital, Bor. Most governors have tried but couldn’t manage to do away with the gangs,” he added.

Market conditions and high commodity prices also emerged as major concerns among residents.

Anyieth Mary, a resident of Block Two, urged the forum to address the soaring cost of goods, which she said disproportionately affects poorer citizens.

“The Governor’s Forum should also see a way of dealing with the prices of commodities in the market. Prices should be regulated as per the National Bureau of Standards,” Mary told Sudans Post.

She pointed out that inconsistent pricing among retailers and wholesalers, as well as high transportation costs due to multiple checkpoints, contribute to the problem.

“Most retailers and wholesalers operate with different prices. The government should regulate these prices and reduce checkpoints that overcharge wholesalers transporting goods from main markets like Uganda and Kenya,” she added.

Since its inception, the Governor’s Forum has aimed to provide a platform for state leaders to share experiences, address challenges, and propose actionable solutions.

While citizens remain hopeful, they also stress the importance of timely and effective implementation of resolutions to ensure tangible improvements in their daily lives.