Activist Urges CES Government to Urgently Deploy Greater Yei Commissioners

(LAINYA / YEI / MOROBO) – A human rights defender is appealing to the Government of Central Equatoria State to urgently deploy the newly sworn-in commissioners of Lainya, Yei River, and Morobo counties to their respective areas of operation.

According to Victor Batali Silas, a power vacuum at the county level—especially in Yei River County has resulted in serious human rights violations, including rape and forced abductions in remote villages.

The appeal follows a recent incident in Tokori Boma, where three women were gang raped, four youths abducted and property looted at Delego village market last weekend. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from local human rights activists and residents.

“I want to urge the state authorities to urgently release the county commissioners to go to their respective areas and resume work. There are significant gaps in their absence. Without the commissioners, civilians and the army are left to operate on their own. Therefore, we call on the state to act, as this absence is creating serious gaps in accountability and the protection of civilians and their property.”

Batali strongly condemned the rape of innocent women in the area.

“I strongly condemn the incident that occurred in Tokori Boma of Lasu Payam. This act of rape is a grave violation of human rights and an attack on individuals living in their ancestral land. Rape should never be used as a weapon against innocent people; it is a crime against the civilian population.”

He further called on armed groups to respect and protect civilians’ rights, and urged local authorities to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Batali warned that continued violations in the area undermine efforts toward peace and stability, erode community trust and negatively affect agricultural production.