Yei Youth Leader Urges Commissioner to Prioritize Security for Agriculture

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Chairperson of the Yei River County Youth Association has called on the newly appointed County Commissioner to prioritize stabilizing security in order to enable youth participation in agricultural production and boost socio-economic development.

Speaking to Access Radio on Thursday, Gaga Frank Justine said Yei River County has experienced recurring insecurity in both urban and rural areas over recent months.

He emphasized that restoring security would help tackle several pressing challenges, including youth unemployment, the rise of gang groups, roadblocks, human rights abuses, cattle raids, and the abduction of humanitarian workers, travelers, and residents across all five payams of the county.

“Young people in Yei are facing serious challenges due to insecurity caused by armed cattle herders, the emergence of gang groups in town, and the abduction of humanitarian workers delivering essential services,” Gaga said. “Yei is largely an agricultural community, and people need security to cultivate their land. We are urging the county government to address insecurity so that young people can actively engage in agriculture and improve their livelihoods.”

Gaga added that the Youth Association remains committed to working closely with the County Commissioner to address key issues affecting young people and to promote peacebuilding initiatives.

“We are ready to coordinate and engage in dialogue with cattle-keeping groups to promote peace,” he said. “We are also prepared to support service delivery and development efforts wherever youth participation is needed.”

He expressed optimism that improved security would create an enabling environment for agricultural productivity and sustainable development in the county.