Peace Brings Back Nightlife and Business in Yei

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Yei town have praised the county government and security forces for maintaining relative peace in recent months, saying life is slowly returning to normal after years of instability.

Local businesswoman Amani Grace, who lives in the Dar es Salam residential area, said people now move freely and enjoy evening activities in the town centre.

“I sell tea at Suk Bilel in the heart of Dar es Salam. People come to drink tea, eat food and chat with friends up to about 10:00 at night. We are happy because Yei is becoming safe again, especially at night,” she said.

Amani thanked the county commissioner and security agencies for their efforts to keep the town secure. She urged the authorities to continue improving security so that residents can move freely within their neighbourhoods without fear.

Joseph Malish, a resident of Lomuku One area, said peace has brought new energy to Yei’s nightlife and local businesses.

“If you visit Dar el Salam at night, you will see people busy with their businesses. This is what we want for Yei. We need peace and development,” he said.

Malish called on the county government to prioritise peace, protect civilians and businesses and invest in urban development projects to boost economic activity.

Charity Keji, another resident of Dar el Salam, expressed joy at the improved security but appealed for stronger government focus on basic services.

“We are tired of war. What we want now is peace, food, clean water, electricity, good roads, hospitals, schools and markets. When there is peace and security, development will come,” she said.

In a recent public address, Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme assured residents that the local government remains committed to maintaining peace, enforcing law and order and delivering essential services across the county.

Taban called on the public to promote peace and reconciliation and to work with local authorities to support development programmes.

Yei River County, one of the largest in Central Equatoria, was heavily affected by the 2016 conflict, which forced thousands to flee to neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while others became internally displaced in South Sudan.

Many commentators on Access Radio agree that sustaining peace and protecting civilians will help encourage displaced people to return, attract investors and open opportunities for reconstruction and urban renewal in the county.

Peace and Development in Yei Town