AWEIL — The traditional leaders in Aweil East County of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have been urged to work closely with local authorities to combat rising crime and criminal networks in the county.
Mawein Mawein Kuol, Commissioner of Aweil East County, made the call following a surge in criminal activities across the area.
“For you as chiefs who operate down in the bomas and the payams, you know better than us here in the county the nature of the problems that exist. It is your role to report the problems to us,” Kuol told this publication on Sudans Post on Tuesday.
Kuol urged the chiefs to instill discipline among young people in their communities and promptly report criminal activities to the authorities.
“Some counties have advanced in their development initiatives, but as a new commissioner here, I have observed that you have not fully played your part.”
Kuol urged the chiefs to work together with his administration to improve service delivery and address social problems affecting communities across the county.
“Our culture is getting altered at face value, and it is your role to think and come forward on what we can do,” he said.
“Now, you are receiving reports of children using tramadol and becoming involved in criminal activities under our watch.”
The commissioner also raised concern over the increasing use of tramadol among young people, saying drug abuse was contributing to criminal activities and threatening communities.
He warned traders against selling tramadol to young people and said anyone found involved in the illegal sale of the drug would face legal action.
“Anyone who shall be held selling tramadol will be charged. Tramadol is used for patients in critical conditions to numb their bodies, but now children are taking it to feel high, and it is destructive,” Kuol cautioned.
He said his administration plans to establish patrol units to move around the county and identify people involved in criminal activities, illicit drug use, and the formation of criminal groups.
He said those found engaging in criminal activities would be arrested, while traders involved in selling illicit drugs would be dealt with according to the law.
Kuol called on chiefs and other community leaders to strengthen cooperation with county authorities by reporting crimes and helping prevent young people from becoming involved in criminal networks and drug abuse.
