Insecurity, economic woes eclipse Christmas in Central Equatoria

Central Equtoria State Governor Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani. (Courtesy photo)

The Governor of Central Equatoria State Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani on Tuesday acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the state despite relative peace following years of conflict.

According to a Christmas message delivered by the governor, the festive season in Central Equatoria State is marred by insecurity, economic hardships, and health concerns.

“Although this year’s Christmas will be celebrated under relative peace as the country recovers from the effects of the conflict, Central Equatoria State still faces challenges, including insecurity caused by hold-up groups, land issues, communal violence, economic hardship, displacement, and cattle-related challenges,” said Governor Jadalla.

He assured the public of the government’s commitment to addressing these issues but emphasized the need for unity and practical solutions.

 “We are determined to solve these problems as a state, but it requires our unity, goodwill, and practicality to overcome the challenges,” he added.

The governor expressed concern over a rising cholera outbreak, particularly in Juba and other affected areas, including the Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites. He announced the formation of a State Cholera Outbreak Response Oversight High-Level Committee led by the deputy governor to implement preventive and treatment measures.

“The cholera outbreak has increased in the last few days,” he said. “To safeguard the lives of our people, the government strongly urges the public to strictly adhere to health guidelines issued by the National Ministry of Health.”

Jadalla urged citizens to follow key health measures, including washing hands with safe water and soap, drinking safe water, washing fruits and vegetables, cooking food thoroughly, and using latrines to dispose of waste properly.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Governor Jadalla expressed optimism about resuming the Tumaini Peace Initiative in Kenya to reach a consensus with hold-out groups.

“We look forward to a new year filled with sustainable peace, healing, forgiveness, justice, and reconciliation,” he said, emphasizing the importance of safety and protection during the festive celebrations.

In his concluding remarks, the governor encouraged citizens to use the Christmas season as a time for reflection and renewal.

“Let this Christmas be a season of peace, reflection, and renewed determination to improve the things we have not done well in the past,” he stated. “I wish all the citizens of Juba and Central Equatoria State a Merry Christmas as we look forward with much anticipation and optimism to a prosperous year 2025.”

While the governor’s message struck a hopeful tone, many citizens expressed concern over the persistent issues, particularly, insecurity, rising commodity prices, and limited access to basic services.

Peter, a civil servant and father of four who has not received a salary for 12 months shared his struggle to make ends meet.

“The major challenge I face is the lack of food for my children. When they wake up, they expect food. I have to figure out how to provide for them, but it’s not easy when I have not been paid for over a year,” he lamented. “My children do not understand why there is no food on the table and every day is a battle just to survive. As a parent, it is heartbreaking to see your children go hungry, especially during Christmas when they expect something special. How can we celebrate when even getting the basics is a struggle?

Mary Luka, a resident of Juba, also bemoaned the dire economic situation.

 “We can barely afford food, let alone celebrate Christmas,” she said. “The challenges are overwhelming, and the government must act fast to help us.”