The Government of Eastern Equatoria State has resolved to cut one day’s salary from civil servants to contribute towards the SSP 50 million fund to support the victims of the recent violent incidents in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State.
The resolution was made following the Council of Ministers’ sitting number 2/2025.
The recent attacks in Nyolo Village led to massive killings, displacement, and the destruction of property, leaving locals in a dire situation.
The state government refuted allegations of Eastern Equatoria State’s involvement in the raid, insisting that the attackers were the Murle from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
Eastern Equatoria State Information and Communication Minister Elia John Ahaji, in a press statement on Thursday, said the deducted pay would alleviate the suffering in Agoro, Chomboro, and Ayii.
He said all the eight counties, one administrative area, town councils, and municipalities have been tasked to raise funds, including both food and non-food items, to support the victims of the Magwi clash.
“The Council of Ministers has resolved to deduct one day’s salary from all government employees to support the affected people of Magwi, particularly those from Agoro, Chomboro, and Ayii. The Government of Eastern Equatoria State will immediately donate SSP 50 million to purchase essential emergency food supplies.
“An appeal is made to the people of Eastern Equatoria, including the eight counties, one administrative area, town councils, and municipalities, to contribute cash, food, and non-food items to support the affected population,” he said.
Ahaji urged humanitarian agencies to intervene by delivering basic services such as water, healthcare, shelter, and food to the affected populations. He also urged the National Government to conduct thorough investigations into the presence of cattle in Magwi and hold the perpetrators of the brutal act accountable.
Agoro Payam Head Chief Okot Romeo welcomed the resolution to support the suffering victims in Magwi, saying they were in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
He, however, appealed to the government to convince civil servants regarding the salary cut, saying forced deductions could attract curses upon the suffering population using the funds.
A State Ministry of Peace Building employee, Jackline Ibiala, said the pay cut was welcomed.
She, however, expressed disappointment over the delay and the small amount of the salary, blaming the State Government for the woes.
“This is part of our help, but our problem with the government is a separate issue. We are really suffering, and tomorrow I will be like them, but what the government has done is not good—an entire year with no salary,” she lamented.
The Executive Director of the Peace Link Foundation, Charles Okullu, welcomed the initiative, saying it demonstrates love for the affected populations.
Okullu said the populations in Magwi County were in dire need of humanitarian assistance, urging all South Sudanese to join hands in offering support.