Community leaders in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State have told new Governor Simon Uber Mawut to prioritize peace, unity and conflict resolution.
The community leaders made the statement to Radio Tamazuj ahead of Mawut’s arrival in Aweil from Juba on Friday, amidst celebrations across the state.
President Kiir sacked Tong Akeen Ngor on June 24, and replaced him with Mawut, a Brigadier General in the National Security Service.
During Ngor’s era, Northern Bahr el-Ghazal witnessed political divisions and the annexation of many areas from Aweil West, Aweil Center, and Aweil East counties to the Aweil Municipal Council. Several community leaders were detained and others were suspended as they opposed the ousted boss.
Deng Dhieu Nyiwel, the leader of the Aweil community in Aweil Center County, announced that their only demand is for the new governor to resolve all the political and conflict-related matters.
He stated: “Our only demand is that the new governor shall come with a new spirit, new administration and resolve all the outstanding problems. We don’t have any problem supporting him if he stands for the people and protects their rights.”
“Congratulations to us, Barmayen Payam in Aweil Center County, South Sudan and President Salva Kiir on the appointment of the new governor because he (Kiir) has resolved all the issues facing Aweil, we are now celebrating,” said Nyiwel.
The Paramount Chief of the Buonchuai Community in Aweil South County, Piol Geng Ariath, invited the governor to improve security and promote the roles of the traditional authorities in addressing conflicts.