[OPINION] – Detention of Yei Chief Undermines Peace Efforts

Fellow community members,

Yei River County remains in a state of distress following the continued detention of Paramount Chief Joseph Brown Lo-Mose and two humanitarian workers, who have now been held captive for five days.

Frustration and despair are growing among the elderly, the families of the victims and across the broader Yei community. Considering his age, health condition and the vital roles he plays in our society, the Paramount Chief who has long been a voice for peace, reconciliation, and improved civil-military relations does not deserve such inhumane treatment.

Elder Brown, deeply troubled by the suffering of our people due to ongoing insecurity, chose not to remain silent. Instead, he committed his life and time to serve voluntarily in efforts to restore hope and stability in our land.

He has consistently called upon all sons and daughters of Yei River County to embrace peace, unity, and tolerance, even amid the deep uncertainties caused by the prevailing conflict.

Regrettably, our social fabric, once tightly knit, has been torn apart by division. It is now a time when even elders of high standing and wisdom are not spared, but instead held in dreadful conditions in the bush.

This situation speaks to a deep moral decline in Yei River County, as the conflict continues to pierce into the heart of our community, leaving long lasting wounds.

This crisis has distracted us from our shared vision of a peaceful, loving and prosperous Yei. We must confront this reality head-on. Let us promote dialogue within our communities and urge all parties involved in the conflict to cease hostilities against innocent civilians.

The peace agreement must be given a real chance, implemented with dedication and urgency to free our people from displacement, killings, looting, poverty, lawlessness, abductions and these undignified ways of living.

Yei must stand united in solidarity to end this unnecessary violence.

— Juma David Augustine, a concerned leader in Yei and a former politician in Central Equatoria State.

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