Authorities in Uror County of Jonglei State have held a peace rally to disseminate peace among local populations, amidst reports of the deteriorating security situation there.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, Tang Chatim, the Uror County commissioner said the week-long event which concluded Thursday evening in the Padiek area aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence in the county and beyond.
“We started the rally on May 11, and we started in Pieri Payam. We then went on to Motot, Pulchuol, Karam, Pathai, Wickol, and Padiek Payams. In each of those Payams, I spent 2 to 3 days, “Tang said.
He added, “The main purpose of this tour is to inform the local population that there is peace in the country. All parties are for peace. And again, we campaign for peace among us as the Lou Nuer and peace with our neighbours in Akobo, Pibor, Ayod, and Duk.”
Several residents of the county said they are happy that the 2018 peace is holding but that peace dividends have yet to be extended to them.
“Our problem now is that there are no schools and healthcare services for our children. Pregnant mothers walk for two days to get medical care in the Langkien area. With this peace, we want services,” Nyabath Gatwec said.
James Kok said, “As youths, we welcome peace and our message is that we want employment opportunities. “
For his part, Chagor Wanjang Hoth, the Uror County head chief urged the county authorities to boost security, emphasizing that peace is necessary for the development and that they have engaged local youth to peacefully coexist with the neighbours.
The community leader also called on the government to provide them basic services.
Uror, a county of Jonglei state, has been cut off with no access to basic services from the rest of the state since the civil war erupted in 2013.