South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Mayak Majak Madit Tokjok
The Governor of Lakes State Rin Tueny Mabor has urged for greater youth involvement in peacebuilding, unity, and development efforts, emphasising that promoting literacy and human development is essential for strengthening infrastructure and advancing national progress.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected body of the Rumbek Youth Union (RUMYU) on Wednesday, Governor Tueny applauded the citizens of Lakes for maintaining peace over the past four years.
He said that the state government will support RUMYU in all its endeavours, as youth are the backbone of the nation and entitled to engage in peace and unity activities.
He highlighted that human development, particularly in terms of global literacy, is a priority for promoting infrastructure and the reorganisation of youth will empower them to contribute to the nation, as Lakes State is the centre of South Sudan.
“The peace in Lakes State is the result of collective efforts from the entire civil population., Information is power; peace ambassadors of this state inform the government about areas at risk of communal crisis, This commitment is a blessing for the people of Lakes State, a state of emergency was declared in neighbouring Warrap State, which is on standby for operational orders, and Lakes will be involved as our civilian youth are managing small arms control,” he said.
The State Minister for Culture, Youth, and Sports, William Koji Kirjok, said that RUMYU is a historical organisation for the Agar community, and that youth are ready to promote peace in Lakes State.
“Youth are empowered by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, as the African Development Bank has granted $7.155 million, which will be distributed to 175 youth groups, with each group receiving $10,000 as a loan to support their business initiatives,” he added.
The newly elected Chairman of RUMYU, Mr. Charles Benykok Matuol, confirmed that the youth of the Agar community have plans to conduct community peace awareness campaigns to support the peace initiatives established by the state government.
He called upon the youth of the Belle community in Wulu County to collaborate with the Agar community in the state and work together as citizens of Rumbek.
Mr. Kuol Mathuthier Kucdhal, chairperson of the electoral committee of Rumbek Youth Union, expressed gratitude to Governor Rin Tueny Mabor for the stability and security across the state, which has facilitated the movement of people and resources and contributed to smoother political processes at the national level.
He reminded the youth of the task assigned to them by H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, who indicated during the governor’s swearing-in in June 2021 that he would be the last hope for stabilising security in Lakes.
However, Taban Malual Polich, paramount chief of Mathiang Payam in Rumbek East County, urged the youth to maintain peace and unity in the state.
He noted that the leadership of Governor Rin over the past four years has been commendable and called for President Salva to promote Governor Rin to a higher level of government due to his achievements in Lakes State, asserting that he should not be removed from his position.
