Caretaker Commissioners Urged to Curb Violence, Strengthen Security in Lakes State

By Mayak Majak Madit Tokjok

The Lakes State Governor’s Political Adviser, Hon. Poth Madit Dut, has urged newly appointed caretaker county commissioners to prioritize security, prevent communal violence, and strengthen law enforcement as South Sudan prepares for the planned December elections.

Madit made the remarks while accompanying four newly appointed caretaker commissioners to their respective counties, where they assumed office.

 The officials include Zacharia Malual Anyuon for Rumbek East County, Paul Cabiet Ayang for Yirol West County, Mayor Aleth Nyimur for Yirol East County, and Biar Dhieu for Awerial County.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order, warning against communal clashes and the unlawful possession of small arms.

 He also stressed the need for authorities to address security threats while ensuring that the electoral process is conducted peacefully and that citizens can exercise their political rights.

Madit’s remarks come as state authorities face pressure to address insecurity, communal disputes, cattle theft, and other challenges that could undermine stability ahead of the planned elections.

The newly appointed caretaker commissioner of Rumbek East County, Zacharia Malual Anyuon, expressed gratitude to President Salva Kiir Mayardit for appointing Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor as caretaker governor of Lakes State and for his own appointment to lead the county.

Anyuon said the relative peace established under Governor Rin Tueny Mabor’s administration could create a conducive environment for the planned December elections, emphasizing the importance of free and fair polls across the state.

He also raised concerns about the consumption of harmful drugs among teenagers and youth gangs, as well as persistent cattle theft, describing such practices as unlawful under the state’s legal framework.

The commissioner made the remarks on Thursday during a rally in Rumbek East County, where community members and local leaders gathered to discuss security and development priorities.

Meanwhile, youth representative Mading Majok highlighted persistent cattle theft and what he described as inadequate opportunities for youth participation in county affairs.

He called on the county leadership to engage the state government in addressing infrastructure challenges, particularly the poor condition of the highway, which he said becomes dusty during the dry season and muddy during the rainy season.

Majok’s concerns reflect broader demands from local communities for improved infrastructure, greater youth inclusion, and stronger action against insecurity.

A paramount chief from Akot Payam said the security situation in the county had calmed in relation to neighbouring communities, underscoring the importance of maintaining peaceful relations.

For his part, community representative Marial Majak Malok urged the people of Rumbek East to distance themselves from communal disputes involving the Kuei and Pakam communities.

He stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence and called on residents to avoid actions that could reignite tensions between the communities.

The calls from state officials, youth representatives, and traditional leaders highlight the need for coordinated efforts to strengthen security, resolve communal disputes, address cattle theft, and improve public services as Lakes State prepares for the planned elections.