Akec Tong Aleu, governor of the newly established state 'Tonj State' has on Monday appointed Manhiem Bol as his deputy, breaking months of political lobbying among politicians aspiring for the position since the creation of the new state.

Manhiem served previously as a civil servant in the national government hailing from Tonj East Conty, one of the areas where communities have on a number of occasions clashed resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives and properties over the past years.

Some sources interpreted his appointment as an attempt by the new governor to help him with his connections and influence to curb communal violence among the local people whose disputes have been attributed to competition over land, pastures and water points.

File photo: Akec Tong Aleu