Authorities in the proposed Aweil East State have formed different level committees to sensitize and raise funds from community members and government officials to support those affected and displaced by the recent armed attack on Raja town in Western Bahr al Ghazal.
Sabrino Majok Majok, State Secretary General for the Government of Aweil East State, issued a statement on 23 June explaining the decision of the state cabinet.
Majok said the Council of Ministers in its meeting on the same day listened to a briefing from Governor Deng Deng Akuei on his visit to Nyamellel, which became a place of refuge for Lol State officials after they fled Raja.
“After deliberations, the Council resolves to approve a state wide contribution for seven days through a number of committees,” the statement reads in part.
The statement said that the membership of the State High Level Committee includes deputy governor Garang Garang Deng, and local government and law enforcement agencies minister Abuor Gordon Nhial. Other officials in the committee are information minister, William Ater Lual, finance minister Peter Akoon Maluil Akoon and Ayuel Yai Deng, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.
Counties and municipalities were tasked to lead contributions in their areas. However, the speaker of the new state parliament was reported to be opposed to the move. He could not be reached by phone to confirm this report.