Citizens in Yei town in South Sudan’s Yei River State said bright moonlight and improved relationship between the SPLA army and local residents have reduced nighttime crimes in the area.

Yei’s power plant stopped working due to fuel shortages after the closure of roads to either Juba or Uganda over insecurity last year.

A local resident called Ambe Joseph told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that bright moonlight helps at night walks without any fear these days.

“I just want to tell you that the security situation in Yei town has greatly improved as a result of the free moonlight. These days we can move on the streets of Yei town up to 9:30 pm without any security threat,” he said.

Abe called on the government to restore peace in Yei and regenerate Yei’s power plant.

Meanwhile, another resident called Monika Agnes thanked all organized forces for building good relationship with civilians in the state.

“Apart from the moonlight in town at night, I want to thank the security forces for building hope in us. They are friendly and they can speak to the civilians in a peaceful tone. I wish that these forces were brought right from the onset of the crisis in Yei. People would have not run to the villages and neighboring camps,” she said.

Peter Dudu, who is also a local resident in Yei, said he was greeted by a government soldier for the first time since the crisis started in the Yei area.

But David Manoah said his area is still witnessing nighttime crimes, pointing out that Hai Dam is surrounded by government-supported militia groups.

For his part, the governor of Yei River State David Lokonga Moses promised that his administration will embark on the national dialogue in order to bring about peace in the state.