Leadership transitions often bring excitement, doubt, and political debate. But every community faces moments when progress depends, not on who gains political advantage, but on whether people choose unity over division. The appointment of Ateny Pech as the new Commissioner of Bor County is one such moment.
I am advocating the unity of Bor County by putting aside personal politics and supporting the newly appointed commissioner. Some people might be unhappy or think that I am pro-Ateny Pech. Let me assure them, that is not the case. I do not know Pech, nor does he know me.
The central idea here is simple: “When elephants fight, the grass suffers”. When the sons and the daughters of Bor County engage in disagreements, the people bear the consequences. Services stall, development is delayed, and the focus shifts to defending positions rather than serving the community. Neither President Slava Kiir nor Governor Riak Ghai should be blamed; they have appointed a son of Bor as county commissioner. My concern is the Bor residents, who deserve effective service delivery from anyone given the chance to serve.
Regardless of political affiliation or personal preference, Bor County now has a new commissioner entrusted with the responsibility to lead. The most productive path forward is to give him the space, support, and the goodwill to perform his duties. Development cannot thrive in a climate of constant political friction; it thrives where people work together for a shared vision.
Bor County stands at a defining moment where its future depends on the choices made today. What Bor needs now is not renewed political rivalry, but a strong commitment to unity, accountability, and development-focused leadership.
Without safety for farmers, traders, herders, and travelers, economic and social development will remain stagnant. Local conflict resolution systems, community dialogues, and stronger coordination between chiefs and security forces are essential.
Bor needs a people-centered administration that listens to the citizens, addresses their concerns, and delivers services without bias. Trust in local government promotes stability and strengthens cooperation.
Small businesses need support, markets require better organization, and youth need opportunities to work and thrive. A growing local economy stabilizes families and communities.
Progress requires coordinated efforts among traditional leaders, women’s groups, churches, civil society, development partners, and the private sector.
In short, Bor needs unity, stability, strong institutions, and community-government cooperation to move forward.
To achieve meaningful and sustainable progress, Commissioner Pech must pursue strategic, bold, and inclusive leadership that inspires confidence, fosters unity, and drives development across Bor County. The following recommendations provide a roadmap for effective governance:
1. Develop a comprehensive county-wide security plan in collaboration with chiefs, youth leaders, and organized security forces to prevent conflicts and enhance community protection.
Establish robust early-warning and rapid-response systems to address disputes and communal tensions before they escalate.
Professionalize local policing units through training, accountability mechanisms, and community engagement to build trust and ensure impartial law enforcement.
2. Form an advisory council representing all segments of society, including women, youth, elders, professionals, and faith leaders, to foster participatory decision-making.
Ensure fair, transparent, and balanced appointments that reflect the county’s diversity and build public confidence.
Strengthen county institutions to function effectively, provide equitable services, and remain accountable to all citizens.
3. Upgrade health centers, schools, and social infrastructure, ensuring essential services such as healthcare and education are accessible to all. Introduce regular public briefings—quarterly updates to inform citizens of progress, challenges, and priorities, enhancing transparency and trust. Improve revenue collection and financial management to ensure funds are used for the public good and that development initiatives are adequately supported.
4. Partner with NGOs, development agencies, and the private sector to implement vocational training programs that equip youth with employable skills.
Facilitate small grants and startup kits to empower youth, women, and local entrepreneurs, promoting self-reliance and economic participation.
Support sports, arts, and cultural initiatives that foster community cohesion, discourage idleness, and provide positive engagement for young people.
5. Strengthen collaboration with UN agencies, NGOs, national ministries, and private investors to attract sustainable development projects and technical support.
Establish a county development coordination office to streamline projects, avoid duplication, and ensure effective implementation.
6. Implement a clear citizen feedback and complaint system that allows residents to raise concerns and hold officials accountable.
Publish regular progress reports on financial expenditures, projects, and service delivery to maintain transparency. Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, discipline, fairness, and dedication to serving all communities equally.
Commissioner Pech has the opportunity to set a new standard of leadership, rooted in unity, inclusivity, accountability, and transformative development. His success will not only benefit the administration but will create a lasting impact for generations to come.
Actual progress in Bor County cannot be achieved by one leader alone. Development is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of everyone—leaders, citizens, youth, elders, and institutions.
Traditional leaders must use their influence to promote peace and resolve disputes. The youth must become agents of development rather than instruments of political conflict. Women’s groups must continue advocating peace, family stability, and community welfare. Religious leaders must guide society toward unity, forgiveness, and moral responsibility.
Citizens also play a critical role by engaging constructively with local authorities, holding leaders accountable, and participating in community development. Supporting the commissioner does not mean abandoning political beliefs—it simply means choosing progress over division.
When unity becomes the guiding principle, development naturally follows. When citizens work with their leaders rather than against them, even the most difficult challenges become manageable.
Bor County belongs to all of us. Its success will depend on whether we rise above political lines and work together for the greater good.
Finally, let us give Commissioner Pech the chance to lead, the support to perform, and the constructive engagement to improve. Let politics take a back seat so that peace, stability, and development can take the front.
This is the time to unite. The future of Bor County depends on the collective strength of its people, and that begins with supporting the new commissioner.
The writer is a media specialist and development practitioner. He can be reached via leek2daniel@gmail.com.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.