CISON Urges Lakes State Officials to Prioritize Civilian Protection, Electoral Fairness

By Anak Dut Malual

The Civil Society Organizations Network (CISON) in Lakes State has urged newly appointed state officials to prioritize civilian protection, uphold political neutrality, and guarantee equal opportunities for all political parties as the country prepares for free, fair, and credible elections.

CISON congratulated Caretaker Governor Lt. Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor Deng and other newly appointed state officials following their swearing-in ceremony in Rumbek, while calling for improved security and greater commitment to electoral integrity.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, CISON Chairperson Daniel Laat Kon urged the new leadership to create an environment conducive to credible elections and ensure that public institutions operate impartially.

He welcomed a directive from the Office of the Caretaker Governor requiring all appointees to remain politically impartial and refrain from using public resources for electoral advantage.

Laat said the directive was essential to promoting fairness and accountability during the electoral process. He urged the newly appointed officials to ensure equal access to public media and public facilities for all political parties and candidates.

He also called for measures to protect voters, particularly women, young people, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“We fully support and endorse the directive that all appointees must remain impartial and refrain from using public resources for electoral advantage,” the statement said.

Laat further urged caretaker officials, women leaders, youth representatives, traditional leaders, and faith-based groups to strengthen public participation in governance.

Beyond electoral concerns, CISON expressed deep concern over recent violence in Lakes State that reportedly left more than 50 people dead in Rumbek.

Laat called on the government to strengthen security coordination, disarm armed civilians through appropriate measures, protect communities, and deploy professional and impartial security forces across the state’s counties.

“No election can be free where citizens live in fear,” he said.

He stressed that restoring security was essential to ensuring citizens could participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.

CISON also called for a thorough investigation into the recent clashes and accountability for those responsible. It urged the government to promote community dialogue and reconciliation to prevent further violence.

“We urge the caretaker government to ensure full investigation and accountability for the recent clashes and to promote community dialogue and reconciliation,” he said.

Laat said some residents remained fearful of renewed violence, with reports that people were leaving their homes amid rumours of further clashes.

He urged the governor to visit affected communities personally, engage traditional leaders and young people, and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.

“For him to put confidence and hope in the people affected by this conflict, he needs to go there by himself, talk to the affected communities, and engage the chiefs and the youth,” Laat said.

He specifically called on the governor to visit communities in Rumbek North and Rumbek Centre to assess the security situation, engage local leaders, and help prevent further violence.

Laat also urged the government to guarantee political space for all political parties, candidates, and independent aspirants to campaign and participate in the electoral process without intimidation.

He said equal political opportunities and respect for democratic principles were essential to building public confidence in the elections.

CISON called on the newly appointed executives to work closely with local communities and other stakeholders to address security concerns and promote peaceful coexistence across Lakes State.

The organization concluded by wishing the caretaker government success in carrying out its responsibilities and urging the new leadership to prioritize peace, accountability, and the welfare of citizens.