South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
Western Equatoria State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, Alison Barnaba, stated that citizen security is the top priority of the state government.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Commissioner of Yambio County on Thursday in Yambio town, Minister Barnaba reiterated his commitment to restoring peace in Western Equatoria State.
“Our message is one of security and peace; we should stop fighting and silence the guns. We don’t want to hear gunshots,” Barnaba told SSBC on Thursday.
He assured citizens of the government’s determination to resolve the conflict and establish lasting stability in the area.
“We, as the new government, will not tell you what we are going to do, but you will see in our work, and you will witness the outcome of our efforts,” he said.
For his part, Michael Ismail, Commissioner of Yambio County, acknowledged that maintaining peace and security is not an easy task and will require everyone’s involvement.
“Unity and security are my first priorities. I, along with the Lord Mayor of Yambio Municipality, in collaboration with the Azande Kingdom, chiefs, youth, women, police and security organs, and the entire community, will work hand-in-hand to ensure stability is restored in Yambio,” Ismail stated.
He recognised the hardships residents have faced over the past years, living in fear and uncertainty due to the conflict.
He vowed to restore harmony and foster development in the state.
Western Equatoria has experienced significant violence, including killings and property destruction in several areas.
State officials have attributed much of the unrest to the rebellion led by former governor Futuyo, who is believed to be in hiding and has rallied armed opposition against the government.
The state is currently experiencing intercommunal violence between the Balanda and Azande communities in Tambura County.
The conflict has resulted in numerous civilian casualties and the displacement of primarily women and children.
The situation is characterised by killings, kidnappings, disappearances, and property destruction.
Some local leaders have claimed that the conflicting communities receive support from both the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the armed opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO).
