Local officials were appointed to head new counties in Yei River State on Tuesday amid a wave of insecurity, killings, and economic hardship.
Governor of Yei River State David Lokonga urged the new officials put security, peace and food production at the top of their agenda. Lokonga directed the Yei leadership to ensure that the civilians are protected in their areas of settlement.
“I don’t want to hear that people have been killed in Jigomoni, Sopiri, Newsite, Lomuke and other areas in Yei town. I want you to tell me that culprits threatening civilians are arrested and face the law immediately,” he said. “Remove some of your eyes and ears and put them somewhere to monitor and control the security situation in the town,”
Mr. Lokonga also urged the new leadership to build trust between the government and its citizens.
“All these people are one. Create peace and development for them,” he said.
But one resident who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on the condition of anonymity said that the new commissioners would not help the people of the state.
“Where are these commissioners going to stay? Who are the people they are going to lead and protect when most of them have fled the country over fears of killings and food insecurity?” the person said. “We need peace protection and real food, now not commissioners,”
The person doubted whether the state could raise the resources for the commissioners when it doesn’t have the money to address food shortages and insecurity.
But Lokonga said his government is gearing towards service delivery in a number of different outlets.
“I expect that peace will come and our people return back home soon. I am not ready to see that our people suffer in the refugee camps without education, food and access to health services,” he said.
The governor called on humanitarian partners to extend a helping hand to the needy displaced persons in the bushes of the state.