Koch County residents welcome commissioner’s exit

The residents of Unity State’s Koch County have welcomed the removal of Commissioner Gordon Koang Biel.

Biel was removed from his position Wednesday by President Salva Kiir in a decreed that saw him replaced by Gatmai Wal.

The decree was aired on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).

Biel was appointed in 2014 during the conflict in South Sudan.

Residents who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday expressed their excitement at the change.

Gatiek Kong said the change would encourage unity between the people of Koch and Mayiendit, Leer and Rubkona County.

“We the intellectuals of Koch avoided the county headquarters due to disagreements with the former commissioner,” he said.

“We thank President Kiir and Governor Justice Riek Biem for bringing good leaders to the county. Wal will do his part and we will do ours in the two years before we go to the General Election in December 2026,” Kong added.

The residents said the county had experienced many security incidents because of the wanting leadership.

Puok Lony Chuol said that the removal of Biel was good for the community.

“I welcome the appointment of Wal and hope he will do the best for us because he is an educated person,” he said.

Nyamal Gatjiek welcomed the new commissioner and said they were looking forward to his cooperation with the community.

“We need justice here in Koch to avoid crimes against humanity,” she said.

President Kiir on Wednesday replaced three Unity State county commissioners and seven ministers.