Audio Brief: Yei Boda Boda Elections Postponed for One Year

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s National Police Service has promoted a woman to the rank of Lieutenant General for the first time, as seven other female officers were elevated from Colonel to Brigadier General in a wider push for inclusion within the force.

The promotions were announced by the Ministry of Interior. They form part of reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism and gender equality within the police.

Lieutenant General Achol Cyer Rehan holds a Master’s degree in Law and Security Studies. She previously served as a county commissioner in Warrap State. Supporters recalled her role during the 2010 general elections, crediting her with helping Nyandeng Malek become the first female Governor of Warrap State.

The Inspector General of Police, General Saeed Chawul Lom Ayuel, called the promotion a major step toward gender equality. He said the rise of capable women into senior positions shows that higher responsibilities are open to all.

Elsewhere, elections for the Yei Boda Boda Association have been postponed for one year. The Commissioner of Yei River County, Samuel Henry Malimbo, announced the decision during a meeting with motorcycle riders on Tuesday morning in Yei.

The commissioner said the postponement followed concerns over the interpretation and application of the association’s constitution. He noted that some payams had not been adequately represented in the electoral process. The election process was adjourned to allow for broader consultations and reforms aimed at ensuring fair representation for all riders.

Malimbo described the Boda Boda Association as an independent body responsible for managing its own affairs. He praised riders for maintaining cooperation with county authorities. He said the county administration had not registered major concerns regarding the conduct of the association. He encouraged continued collaboration between motorcycle riders and government institutions and said the constitution of the association needs to be shared with the rest of the stages.

In Yei River County, the International Organization for Migration has confirmed plans to expand activities under its Durable Solutions Project. The commitment was made during a meeting between IOM officials and the County Commissioner on 30 June.

IOM official Aia Khadem Aljame said the organisation remains committed to the successful implementation of the project in the county.

She said the project focuses on improving livelihoods, promoting peacebuilding initiatives, strengthening community engagement and supporting environmental conservation efforts aimed at building resilience among local communities.

She added that the purpose of the visit was to update the county commissioner on upcoming activities that IOM plans to undertake following ongoing assessments in the area.

In Morobo, a joint stakeholder consultative peacemaking meeting has been held at St. Paul Cathedral in the Diocese of Morobo. The one day gathering took place on Tuesday and was organised by the Faith, Development and Relief Agency of the Episcopal Diocese of Kajo-Keji with an invitation from the Episcopal Diocese of Morobo.

The consultative meeting was supported by act+ Church of Sweden. It brought together stakeholders from different walks of life, including different denominations and religions, peace committees, local government authorities, chiefs, women and security agencies in Morobo.

Facilitators from the Diocese of Kajo-Keji led the sessions. They spoke from an experienced point of view, citing numerous factors that affected Kajo-Keji during the crisis that caused loss of lives and property. They also referenced the 2016 crisis.

Retired Reverend Jale Edward said the involvement of the Church in reconciling with government agencies and other stakeholders had sought peaceful resolutions to conflicts as set out in the 2018 peace agreement. He said acceptance through a heart of reconciliation did not go in vain but gave birth to the relative peace now attained in Kajo-Keji County.

In Jonglei State, a World Food Programme convoy has left Akobo County after spending one month delivering food assistance to the community. Convoy Leader Ladu Charles said the mission was successful and thanked the people of Akobo for their warm welcome and cooperation. He noted that this was the first WFP road convoy to deliver food aid to Akobo this year.

Charles called for lasting peace to enable humanitarian organisations to reach more communities in need. He added that while some of the 23 trucks are returning, others will remain in Akobo to support ongoing relief operations.

He said poor road conditions due to heavy rains and insecurity remain the main challenges on the return journey. He prayed for a safe trip and encouraged South Sudanese to remain united and support humanitarian efforts.

In Juba, the IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, Ambassador Moussa Djama Ali, has held talks with Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol on the implementation of the peace agreement and preparations for the December 2026 general elections. The meeting took place on 30 June.

Ambassador Moussa restated the commitment of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to supporting the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. He also confirmed the regional bloc’s backing for continued dialogue among the parties as South Sudan readies itself for the polls.

Vice President Hussein said the Government remains committed to fully implementing the peace agreement. He added that the country is working to ensure it is prepared to conduct free and credible general elections as scheduled in December 2026.

The Vice President praised IGAD for its support to the Government of South Sudan. He noted the significant role the regional bloc played in facilitating the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and its continued engagement in the country’s peace and electoral processes.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, mass gatherings have been banned in the capital Kinshasa and three other areas in order to halt the spread of Ebola.

The current outbreak of the deadly disease has so far been detected in three provinces in the east, some 1,800 kilometres from Kinshasa, but the authorities fear it spreading to the city of 18 million people.

The three other provinces affected by the ban, Tshopo, Haut Uele and Bas Uele, border those where Ebola has been confirmed. Prominent figures from DR Congo’s opposition parties have criticised the order, alleging that it has been put in place to stifle a protest march scheduled for 8 July.